Youth arrested over Ballina playground fire

A MALE youth has been arrested in connection with a fire that caused extensive damage to a playground at Ardnaree in Ballina.

Gardaí confirmed that they arrested a minor and a file on the incident is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The playground, which is located in a green area beside a housing estate, was targeted last Thursday evening while a number of children were using it.

The fire spread quickly and destroyed several plastic installations, which were part of the play area.

A number of units of Ballina Fire Brigade were called to the scene.
The gardaí have thanked members of the public for their assistance during the course of the investigation.