Several headstones have been vandalised at Goldenbridge Cemetery in Dublin.

Among those damaged is the headstone of former leader of the Irish Free State, WT Cosgrave.

Glasnevin Trust has confirmed that up to 13 Victorian and pre-Victorian monuments were vandalised in recent days.

"The destruction was systematic, with most of the monuments being destroyed beyond repair", the trust says in a statement.

The cemetery has been the target of similar vandalism on a number of occasions in the past few years.

WT Cosgrave's headstone was previously vandalised in 2014.

Glasnevin Trust says it has actively engaged with gardaí in an effort to bring an end to these "distressing acts of targeted vandalism".

The cemetery is locked and can be visited by appointment only.

Goldenbridge is a 19th century 'garden' cemetery part of the Glasnevin Trust.

The cemetery was purchased in 1828 and the first burial took place on October 15th of that year. It is independent of a parish church.

The latest act of vandalism has been condemned by Dublin South Central TD Catherine Byrne, who says she is "disgusted and ashamed" to hear the news. 

The Fine Gael Deputy says, "the people of Inchicore have fought to rejuvenate the area for a long time. This is set to be a really important year, with the opening up of Richmond Barracks for the 1916 commemorations, as well as the plans by Glasnevin Trust to open Goldenbridge Cemetery to public visitors.

“This criminal damage is really disappointing, but it will not put a stop to the plans of local groups who have worked too hard to see their projects put on hold or set back in any way", she adds.