Michael Kinsella from the Derry Republican Graves Association made the appeal after people living near the monument on the Lecky Road complained that young people were drinking around the memorial at weekends. Mr Kinsella said broken bottles and cans had recently been left in the area.

"We have been contacted by a number of the people from the area and relatives of our republican patriot dead who are angry and upset that at the weekend rubbish from carryouts and broken glass was strewn in and around the site of the monument dedicated to their memory on the Lecky Road," he said.

Mr Kinsella said the memorial was paid for and built by the local community and appealed for it to be treated with respect.

"The Derry Republican Graves Association would appeal to those involved in these actions to desist and respect the ground in and around the monument and the memory of our fallen comrades. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the monument being built.

"It was fundraised for and built by local people and republicans from across the city and we see it as a lasting tribute to their memories for future generations," he said.