Gardaí investigating major fire at Dublin pub earmarked for homeless families
Gardaí pictured at the scene of a fire on Thorncastle Street, Ringsend. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
Gardaí are investigating a major fire at a building in Dublin which was to accommodate homeless families.
The former pub in Ringsend had been mired in false rumours, spread by anti-immigrant activists, that it would be used to accommodate asylum seekers.
A fire broke out at the former Shipwright pub before 2am and was brought back under control by six fire engines and nearly 30 firefighters from Dublin Fire Brigade by 5am.
Earlier this month, anti-immigrant protests were held at the building in response to false claims that it was to accommodate asylum seekers.
Persistent false rumours had been spread by anti-immigration activists that the building would house asylum seekers and some social media accounts had called for the building to be set on fire.
However, the building had actually been taken over by the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) to accommodate homeless families.
"If we cannot open facilities, there is a risk that families will not have access to basic shelter,” a DRHE spokesperson said.
"The DRHE has no homeless facilities in the area and it could not be said to be overburdened," they said.
"Families who experience homelessness are like any other; some are working, all are trying to juggle schools and busy lives as well as looking for somewhere to rent.”
The Taoiseach has expressed his concern about the blaze, but emphasised that the cause was still under investigation by gardaí.
“The incident in Ringsend is under investigation by An Garda Siochana, which is doing everything it can to determine the cause of the fire,” Leo Varadkar said.
“If this was the result of a deliberate act, all efforts will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Anyone with information should contact the Gardai. The premises was intended for use as emergency accommodation for families.”
Justice Minister Helen McEntee warned that arson was a serious crime and if the fire was deliberate, the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
“If this was the result of a deliberate act, which has not yet been established, the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” Ms McEntee said today.
“Arson is a very serious crime which carries heavy prison sentences. No one has the right to cause damage to property, to cause fear or to threaten public order.”
She said that gardaí are investigating the incident in Ringsend and are “doing everything possible” to determine the cause of the fire.
“I would encourage anyone with any information in relation to the incident to contact An Garda Síochána,” she said.
The building was unoccupied when the fire broke out before 2am and no injuries have been reported.
It is a former pub, called the Shipwright, also known as Sally’s Bar on Thorncastle Street.
Six fire engines and nearly 30 firefighters from Dublin Fire Brigade were deployed to the fire which was brought under control by 5am.
A Garda spokesperson said that gardaí attended at the scene of a fire at an unoccupied building on Thorncastle Street, Ringsend, Dublin shortly before 2am Sunday morning.
There were no reports of any injuries and the scene has been preserved for forensic examination, the spokesperson said.
“An Garda Síochána is aware of a significant volume of misinformation, disinformation and rumour in relation to the use or proposed use of various buildings,” they said.
Numerous fires have been reported at buildings rumoured or earmarked to accommodate asylum seekers in recent months across the country.
On December 16, a suspected arson attack caused major damage to a former hotel in Rosscahill, Co Galway, which was to house 70 asylum seekers.
Gardaí have renewed their appeal for information in relation to this fire.
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