At least three people involved in arson attack on pub earmarked for homeless people

The fire broke out at the vacant Shipwright pub in the south inner-city of Dublin in the early hours of Sunday morning. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Gardaí believe at least three people were involved in the arson attack on a building in Ringsend that was earmarked for housing members of the homeless community.

The fire broke out at the vacant Shipwright pub in the south inner-city of Dublin in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Some locals had been holding round-the-clock protests at the property — including Christmas night — for two weeks before the fire was started.

False rumours had circulated that asylum-seekers would be housed there but the Dublin Region Homeless Executive confirmed it was for homeless families.

Senior sources have told the Irish Examiner gardaí are interested in at least three people who may have been involved in the attack.

“The fire started while protestors were outside peacefully demonstrating and three people are now of interest in the investigation, they were not the protestors,” said the source.

They are known to have attended other anti-immigration protests that have happened in the city in the past year.

A video has since circulated of the emergency services attending the scene of the fire, while one of the protestors pointed out the building was on fire, and it may have started upstairs.

“We were peacefully protesting out here all night,” said the person filming the fire. “Someone must have got in the back there and set fire to [the pub]."

The person added the fire "is the last thing we all wanted".

Incident room

Meanwhile, gardaí have set up an incident room and are appealing for information on the incident.

A recent statement said: “Gardaí are investigating an incident of criminal damage by fire that occurred at a premises on Thorncastle Street in Ringsend, Dublin 4, on 31st December 2023.

“At approximately 1.55am on Sunday morning, gardaí responded to reports of a fire at a premises on Thorncastle Street. Dublin Fire Brigade attended the scene and extinguished the fire.

“No persons were in the building at the time of the incident. There was substantial damage caused to the property.

“An incident room has been established at Irishtown Garda Station and the investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO).

“Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have information in relation to this incident to contact them.

“Any person, including road users and pedestrians, who were in the vicinity of Thorncastle Street between 1am and 2.30am and who observed any unusual activity is asked to contact investigating gardaí.

"Any road users or pedestrians who were travelling in the Ringsend area during this time and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this available to gardaí.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Irishtown Garda Station 01 666 9600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”