Firebomb attack that gutted seven buses ‘will not hit business’

BUSINESS is continuing as normal at the eirebus coach firm in Dublin despite a firebomb arson attack that destroyed seven buses causing €1 million worth of damage.

A fire bomber is believed to have carried out the early morning attack in which seven coaches were destroyed at the company’s depot on Corduff Road, Blanchardstown, in the city’s western suburbs.

Garda forensic specialists are investigating the arson attack, which took place between 3am and 3.15am yesterday.

A member of the staff raised the alarm.

Closed circuit television records are also being studied in an attempt to establish how the blaze started.

“It won’t have any effect,” a spokesman for the company said. “We’ve made alternative arrangements for vehicles.”

A garda spokesperson, who described the investigation as “ongoing,” said no one was injured in the fire.

Eirebus was established in 1971 and operates a fleet of 40 coaches, catering for the domestic and international market at a purpose-built five-acre garage facility.

Detectives are investigating whether the attack was carried out by local criminal gangs, and are trying to establish a motive.

Three of the destroyed buses were just a year old. Three coaches destroyed were used on the Dublin Airport commuter service, operating as UrBus.

Eirebus is owned by brothers Paddy, Tom and Matt Kavanagh.

Last May, UrBus launched a bus service linking Castleknock and Blanchardstown with Dublin Airport.