A controversial mobile-phone mast outside Pettigo in south Donegal has been cut down in the middle of the night.
The nine-metre mast, located within a kilometre of about 20 dwellings, had been vigorously opposed by locals who claimed it could pose a health risk. It had been refused planning by Donegal County Council on two previous occasions. However, this was overruled by An Bord Pleanála last year.
Gardaí are investigating last Saturday night's incident in the townland of Tamur which resulted in the mast being cut to the ground.
The perpetrators gained access to the site by trekking through 200 metres of bogland and cutting the lock on a two-metre high fence surrounding the mast.
The mast, almost half a metre in diameter, was then sawed through using equipment which gardaí have described as high-powered.
It has also been indicated that the vandals were fortunate not to be electrocuted given the telecommunications and electrical equipment within the mast.
Thousands of euro of damage have been caused by the action. The perimeter fence was also badly damaged by the falling mast.
Tensions ran high in the area some months ago when locals blocked O2's access route on to the site. Placards remain erected on poles in the area proclaiming "No O2 mast".
Local councillors sided with the protesters who claimed there were several better sites in the area which were far away from private residences.
However, a spokesperson for the local residents opposed to the mast, Mr Jude Boyle, condemned the vandalism.
"Our protest, which was a peaceful one, is over and done with. I cannot and will not condone this kind of activity and I can categorically state that nobody from the townland of Tamur was involved in it," he said.
Gardaí have spoken to most of the local population in connection with the incident. O2 has also condemned the vandalism.