Gardaí investigating another arson attack on site earmarked for refugees in Longford

Gardaí are investigating the incident

Gardaí are investigating yet another arson attack on a site earmarked for refugees.

The latest incident happened in a former convent in Lanesborough, Co Longford on Tuesday evening. The site was to be used to house refugees from Ukraine.

Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to the blaze on Tuesday evening. They rushed to the site and the fire was quickly brought under control. Gardaí say there will now be a technical examination of the site.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth which handles people seeking international protection last night confirmed the site was due to house Ukrainians fleeing the war there.

A spokesman said: “The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth received an offer of accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) for the former Convent building, Main Street, Lanesborough, Co. Longford.

“The property was offered to provide accommodation for people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

“The property is currently undergoing refurbishment as part of the Emergency Refurbishment (Ukraine) Project overseen by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

“For any alleged incident at an IPAS accommodation centre, the centre is required to provide an incident report and the matter will be investigated by IPAS, as appropriate.

“Where An Garda Síochána are already involved, the Department is precluded from commenting as it may prejudice any consequent investigation or court case.”

Gardaí confirmed an investigation was underway last night. A spokeswoman said: “Gardaí are investigating an attempted criminal damage by fire incident which occurred at a property in Lanesborough, County Longford on Tuesday evening, 16th January 2024.

“A fire to the external of the building was brought under control by fire services. No injuries were reported and no arrests have been made at this time. A technical examination of the scene took place this morning.

“Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Gardaí at Granard Garda Station 043 668 7660.”

The attack follows a spate of similar incidents all over Ireland in recent months.

Late last month the former Shipwright pub was targeted in Ringsend, central Dublin – after false rumours emerged it was due to house asylum seekers. In fact, it had been earmarked for homeless people.

On December 16, the former Ross Lake House Hotel in Rosscahill, 16 kms north west of Galway City, was attacked and gutted in a fire.

That site was being prepared to accommodate some 70 asylum seekers. Then, at the start of the month, there was also an arson attack on machinery at the former Great Southern Hotel in Rosslare, Co Wexford – where the government plans to settle as many as 400 asylum seekers.

During the Dublin riots of November 23, a site housing asylum seekers in the city centre was targeted – as was a premises earmarked for refugees in Finglas.

In August, attackers also targeted a vacant premises in Ballybrack, Co Dublin, which protesters believed was set to house asylum seekers.

In July, arsonists targeted an old primary school in Ballincollig in Cork as it was being renovated to house refugees from Ukraine.

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