Students fingerprinted in arson probe

Donal Hickey

Parents are co-operating 100% with the operation, said Sergeant Mossie O’Donnell of Dingle.

The fingerprints were being taken in the school by local gardaí, in the presence of teachers. Parents could also attend if they wished.

Upwards of 40 students have been interviewed during the investigation into the fire, which destroyed six classrooms and the 132-year-old school’s administration/office area.

“Fingerprinting is an essential part of the investigation. All fingerprints taken will be destroyed immediately after the investigation is over, as we promised in a bilingual letter sent to all parents,” Sgt O’Donnell added.

No student will be identified by name on the fingerprint sheet and gardaí have pledged the matter will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.

The fire was discovered at 8.15am, on January 1, and is believed to have been smouldering for some hours before flames were seen. There had been a break-in at the school, but no accelerants were used in the blaze.

Many irreplaceable school records, notes and documentation were destroyed.

A detailed forensic examination was carried out and a valuation assessment to the determine the cost of the damage is under way.

After the Christmas holidays, Junior and Leaving Cert classes resumed in the section of the school not affected by the fire.

First, second and fourth year students had an unexpected extension to their holidays. But they have been back in school since last week and are being temporarily accommodated in other buildings.