There have been calls for the public to leave the Christmas tree in Monaghan town alone.
Cllr. Niamh McCooey made the call after it was revealed that 30 decorations on tree were damaged over the Christmas period.
At a meeting of Monaghan MD yesterday, Cllr. McCooey asked when the Christmas tree in the town would be taken down.
The council explained that staff shortages and a delay in the specific equipment used had prevented them from taking down the tree.
However, the council said that the Christmas tree would be taken down this week.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Cllr. McCooey highlighted the damage that was caused to the tree.
She said that the damage is costing taxpayers' money, and urged the public to leave the tree alone.
Cllr. McCooey said: "We know that there was an incident of criminal damage before Christmas, which had been brought to our attention at the December meeting of Monaghan MD.
"Due to our pleas, An Garda Síochána are looking into it, and it will be treated as criminal damage.
"We also learned that 30 of the decorations were removed from the tree and smashed, which is really disappointing to hear.
"This tree was a significant tax payer investment into our town by the County Council. Anyone you speak to could agree it was fantastic, and really made a good feature in the town this year.
"It is really disappointing that there are a few people going out of their way to destroy such a good feature for the town," Cllr. McCooey added.
As of Tuesday (20th January) the Christmas Tree in the town has been taken down.
