Appeal for witnesses to major fire at former Dublin pub earmarked for homeless families

Gardaí at the scene of a fire on Thorncastle Street, Ringsend. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to a major fire at a former Dublin pub which was to accommodate homeless families.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning at a building on Thorncastle Street in Ringsend.

Gardaí and Dublin Fire Brigade attended the scene at about 1.55am. Six fire engines and almost 30 firefighters from Dublin Fire Brigade were deployed to the fire, which was brought under control by 5am.

No one was in the building at the time but there was substantial damage to the property.

Gardaí said they were aware there was a significant volume of misinformation, disinformation, and rumour surrounding the use or proposed use of the building.

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.

Earlier this month, anti-immigrant protests were held at the building.

Some social media accounts had called for the building to be set on fire.

Investigating gardaí established an incident room at Irishtown Garda Station and they are appealing to anyone who may have information to contact them.

Any person who was in the vicinity of Thorncastle Street between 1am and 2.30am on Sunday is asked to get in touch, especially those who may have camera footage, including dash cam.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee warned 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.