A 47-year-old man accused of criminally damaging a Monet painting in the National Gallery of Ireland has been sent forward for trial.

Andrew Shannon of Willans’ Way in Dublin 15 has indicated he will be contesting the charge.

He is accused of punching a large hole in the only Monet painting at the National Gallery on June 29th.

The 1874 work ‘Argenteuil with a Single Sailboat’ was ripped while on display in the Millennium Wing.

Conservation work on the painting is now underway and is expected to last a year.

The book of evidence has been served on the 47-year-old who has been sent forward for trial to the next sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

He has indicated he will deny criminal responsibility.

In the meantime he has been remanded in custody by Cloverhill District Court.