A man has been arrested in connection with damage caused to a Monet painting in the National Gallery of Ireland.

The man, who is in his 40s, is being held at Pearse Street Garda Station.

The incident occurred between 11.30am and noon in Room 10 in the lower base wing of the Gallery.

The painting, Argenteuil Basin with a Single Sailboat (1874), has been taken off display and is being evaluated by the gallery's conservation team.

Gallery director Sean Rainbird said it was a "shocking and very regrettable incident."

He praised gardaí and gallery staff in their efforts in dealing with the matter.