Locals oppose housing of burnt children

RESIDENTS in a well-off suburb are understood to be against the re-housing there of a family whose two children were badly burned in a firebomb attack.

Reliable sources in Limerick last night revealed the City Council had identified a home for the family following consultations with Sheila Murray, mother of Millie, 6, and Gavin, 4. But locals have objected.

The council selected the house after consultations with medical staff at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin where the two children are still being treated for extensive burns.

The children were the victims of an attack on the family car as it left the Moyross Estate for a Sunday afternoon family drive in September. Sheila Murray had pulled up at a neighbour’s house when a petrol bomb was thrown into the car. She and others managed to pull Millie and Gavin out, but they were severely burnt.

Millie was a special guest on the recent Late Late Toy Show. A record RTÉ television audience of more than 1.4 million people watched the programme.

Doctors at the Crumlin hospital have told Sheila Murray her children will be able to spend Christmas in Limerick if suitable accommodation can be made available to cater for their medical needs.

The director of housing at Limerick City Council, Pat Dowling, has been working with his staff to identify a suitable house they can buy for the family. Having found one, however, they have come up against opposition.

The council and the Murray family were not available for comment last night.

Two 17-year-olds have been charged with the attack.

Mr Dowling last night refused to comment on whether he had encountered opposition to the purchase of the house.

“I am determined to have a suitable home for Sheila Murray and her children in time for Christmas,” he said.