Files sent to DPP by gardaí over arson attacks on buildings for asylum seekers

The Shipwright pub which was involved in a fire in Ringsend recently. Gardaí said a breakdown of which arson attacks the DPP files relate to is not available at this time. File photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Files concerning a number of different arson attacks on buildings for asylum seekers have been submitted by gardaí to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) while other files are at an “advanced stage”.

Gardaí said while a breakdown of which arson attacks the files relate to is not available at this time, however, there have been around 20 incidents of suspected arson since 2018.

The latest fire occurred at a convent in Longford on Tuesday which was earmarked to accommodate about 80 Ukrainian refugees.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said more criminal investigations are ongoing into a “large number” of potential arson attacks on buildings.

“Arson is a very serious offence, carrying a penalty, following conviction on indictment, of up to life imprisonment,” they said.

They said several locations have been targeted which were never intended to be used as accommodation for international protection applicants (IPAs) at any time.

This includes a pub in Ringsend in Dublin which was which was to accommodate homeless families but fell victim to false rumours that it would be used to accommodate IPAs. It was set alight on New Year's Eve.

“An Garda Síochána is acutely aware that the majority of public gatherings and persons attending them are peaceful and their intent is peaceful, but An Garda Síochána is also aware that such gatherings, and in effect those persons attending them, are used by a small minority with extreme and potentially criminal and dangerous intent to spread misinformation, disinformation and fake news,” they said.

The spokesperson said gardaí must respect the right for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights, “including where on occasion such activities may be considered abhorrent to most, but not necessarily a breach of criminal law.” 

Several criminal investigations concerning activities at protests, potential harassment at public facilities including libraries and online incitement are also ongoing.

More than 50 arrests relating to potential illegal activity at anti-migration protests were made by gardaí in 2023 in the Dublin area alone.

An “extensive investigation” into the Dublin riots on 23 November remains ongoing with gardaí saying further arrests are expected, in addition to the 38 people already arrested.