Locals in Ringsend, Dublin are “dismayed” after a vandalised post box with a crown on it was removed, a local councillor has said.  

Like many post boxes in Ireland, the post box was installed before Irish independence and displayed the cypher of the reigning British monarch of the time. 

Following the foundation of the Free State, all Irish post boxes were repainted from red to green - but the cyphers remained. 

In recent weeks, the post box has been repeatedly vandalised and dog faeces have been posted through it. 

An Post decided to remove it on health and safety grounds and Cllr Mannix Flynn thinks the vandalism has the potential to spread. 

“Is it an individual in the area? Is there going to be an attack on these [royal] post boxes all over the country?” he told Newstalk Breakfast. 

“They’re out [in] Dún Laoghaire, there’s the Victoria statue in a little snug gazebo out in Dún Laoghaire - is the person going to start moving in that direction?” 

Despite the controversial nature of the post box’s royal markings, Cllr Flynn hopes An Post will reconsider their decision. 

“These are part of our heritage, they’re part of our local community, the landscape. 

“As I said, if you’re in the area it’s a landmark, ‘Go down there, turn left at the post box.’ 

“Now it’s, ‘Turn left where the post box used to be.’

“So I’d call on An Post to put it back; it’s a beautiful item - it really makes an area. 

“It’s place making and it’s not good enough. 

“We’ve lost so much off the streets of Dublin and, indeed, we should tackle vandalism and blaggards like this.”

People pass the Queen Victoria water fountain in Dun Laoghaire, County Dublin today. Photograph: Eamonn Farrell / RollingNews.ie

Cllr Flynn feels if pre-independence post boxes are removed, other historical items could be next. 

“I don’t detect an anti-historical post box [sentiment],” he said. 

“The place is awash with artefacts and buildings that were built during the colonisation of Ireland. 

“What do we do, do we start removing streets etc.?” 

Following the foundation of the Free State, newly installed post boxes were embossed with a harp and SÉ - for Saorstát Éireann - instead of a crown and the initials of the British monarch.

Main image: A Royal Post box