Dublin City Council says it will remove black paint on the Molly Malone statue as soon as possible.
The bronze statue on Suffolk Street is a major tourist draw, but has been vandalised on her front.
The statue was first erected in 1988 to celebrate the city’s first millennium. It was originally on Grafton Street but was moved in 2014 to facilitate Luas works.
The statue portrays Molly as a young woman in the 17th century who selected her cockles and mussels from Dublin’s quayside each morning and then set off on her rounds selling them on her wheelbarrow.
The famous fishmonger has been dubbed the 'tart with the cart.''
Councillor Nial Ring says the actions of those who damaged the statue are 'mindless'. He wants to see Molly Malone moved .
''Most people will recall when it was down at the bottom of Grafton Street and was moved because of the Luas. It was said that she would be brought back at the time. Maybe it's time to bring Molly back down to Grafton Street.'' he said.
