Playground arson: Boy (12) allegedly helped cause €35,000 of damage

Tom Tuite

A then 12-year-old boy has been accused of arson that caused €35,000 worth of damage to a children's playground in Dublin.

The blaze broke out at Weaver Park, off Cork Street, in the south inner city shortly before 6.30pm on October 9th, 2022.

No injuries were reported, but the playground was ruined.

The now 14-year-old boy was charged with criminal damage to the playground structure and appeared at the Dublin Children's Court, where the case was adjourned until a date in March for a possible hearing concerning the delay in bringing the case. He is the second boy to be charged over the blaze.

Last month, a schoolboy, now aged 15, appeared at the same court accused of criminal damage to the playground structure.

Counsel said the boy had never been in trouble since the alleged incident and he was granted bail.

Judge Paul Kelly agreed to the Garda's request to impose conditions. That boy has been warned to stay away from the area of the incident, remain contactable 24/7, not communicate with another male and not possess a lighter or matches.

Asked by the judge if he understood the terms and what would happen if he broke them, that boy answered "Yes" and "I could be locked up".

Legal aid has been granted to the boys, who cannot be identified because they are minors.

The DPP recommended the case remain in the Children's Court rather than proceeding to the Circuit Court, which has tougher sentencing powers.

The teens have yet to indicate a plea.

Gardaí must provide a timeline of the investigation and case preparation.