Rosscahill locals 'shocked' by fire at hotel earmarked for asylum seekers

Adrienne Gorman, Professor in Biochemistry at University of Galway, Afshin Samali, Professor of Cancer Biology at University of Galway, and Allison Feeley, neighbour. Picture: Alison O'Reilly

Locals in Rosscahill, Co Galway, have said they are horrified over events on Saturday night that saw a hotel earmarked to house asylum seekers set on fire.

The former Ross Lake House hotel, which is owned by a Texan family with Irish roots, was due to house up to 70 asylum seekers for up to a year.

Gardaí have now confirmed that they are “investigating an incident of criminal damage by fire, which occurred at a premises in Rosscahill, Co Galway" on December 16.

Afshin Samali is a professor of cancer biology at the University of Galway. He lives just 2km from the hotel and is a former refugee.

Speaking from his family home, he said: “The community is shaken that this event is now confirmed to be arson.

We are a small area just outside Galway, and the neighbours I have spoken to have said they are shocked and scared and worried that this can happen in our neighbourhood.

"This event has disturbed the peace in our community. This is a quiet and friendly community and people look out for each other, and it’s beautiful and picturesque, you feel safe walking around. This has upset us."

Prof Samali was resettled in Ireland 38 years ago, after fleeing Iran with his family.

He is a world-leading cell biologist and a member of the Royal Irish Academy.

He said his family fled from “religious persecution” and settled in Ireland where he has a “life, family, and profession”.

His wife Adrienne Gorman said: “I am proud of my husband for speaking out on such an important issue.

“It goes to the heart of our values of who we are as people. Are we welcoming to people or are we turning them away?

“We have raised our children to appreciate two rich cultures, Iranian/Persian and Irish culture; we would like to see society developing and to be more accepting so we can live together more peacefully and contribute to the betterment of our community and our society,” said Prof Gorman.

Other locals Kenneth Fahy and Allison Feeley said: “The news of the fire has upset many people."

Ms Feeley said: “The recent negative commentary doesn’t represent a lot of people in our community. 

I live here with my children and was never fearful and we welcome diversity, and it is a diverse community."

A Government notice from the Department of Integration, on December 15, said that the Ross Lake House hotel, in Killaguile, Rosscahill, was going to be used as temporary emergency accommodation for international protection applicants.

It said: “From 21 December onwards 70 beds will be provided for people seeking refuge in Ireland who are an International Protection Applicants.” 

A protest was then organised, with around 30 people.

By 11.35pm, a fire broke out and the building was badly damaged, and the area was sealed off for a technical examination.

The former Ross Lake House hotel, which was due to house up to 70 asylum seekers for up to a year, was set on fire.

In a statement, the gardaí said they are investigating an incident of criminal damage by fire.

“The incident happened at around 11.35pm and was later brought under control by Fire Services," said the statement.

“There were no persons inside the building at the time of the incident.

“The scene remains preserved for technical examination.

“Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact them at Clifden Garda Station 095 22500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”