The vandalism was carried out just days before the county's first Pride festival.
A pride mural in the midlands has been defaced with homophobic slurs.
The mural in Portlaoise, which was designed by Portarlington artist ADW, depicts a fist holding an LGBTQ flag, with the word "Proud" under a heart.
The county's first Pride festival kicks off this Saturday, but Midlands LGBT Co-ordinator, Christina Fitzharris is giving assurances the artwork will be restored before then.
She says the mural's been a symbol of solidarity for members of the community:
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