Varadkar: Arsonists are 'seeking to blame others for their own problems'

Seven fire engines were called to the scene at 7am of disused buildings in Brittas, near Blessington. Picture: Dublin Fire Brigade via Twitter

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said people carrying out crimes such as arson attacks at accommodation earmarked for asylum seekers are seeking to blame others “for their own problems".

He said arson attacks on buildings can carry up to 10 years in prison and it is “deeply ironic” that those who try to link immigration with crime are engaging in criminal activity.

Mr Varadkar has released a lengthy statement following another fire at a building which the Department had begun assessing to see if it would be suitable to shelter international protection applicants.

Mr Varadkar said the latest fire at the former St Brigid's Nursing Home in Dublin is concerning.

He said: “In recent weeks there have been disturbing reports of suspected criminal damage at properties around the country.

“There is never any justification for violence, arson or vandalism in our Republic. Garda investigations are underway into the incident in Crooksling.

“Arson is a serious crime punishable by up to ten years in prison. It is deeply ironic that some of those who try to link migration with crime engage in serious criminal activity themselves.” Mr Varadkar said the response by many communities across the country who have welcomed asylum seekers has been incredible.

He said: “We’ve seen homes, schools, clubs and communities open up to help those most in need.

“The people carrying out crimes are a very small minority who seek to blame others for their own problems.

“I believe most people empathise with those fleeing terrible circumstances and recognise the benefits that legal migration brings to Ireland."

The Taoiseach said he wants to assure people that the State has a rules-based immigration system.

He said: “Applications for international protection are now being processed in record time.

“All applicants are registered, fingerprinted, checked against certain databases, and the circumstances surrounding their request for protection are examined thoroughly. We aim to treat them with dignity and respect while their applications are considered,” he added.

He said like much of the world and all of Europe, Ireland is dealing with a major increase in the numbers arriving here irregularly. Many if not most are fleeing conflict, grinding poverty, climate change and human rights abuses in their home countries, he said.

Mr Varadkar added: “We have robust border controls, extra checks at airports and faster processing times.” In a statement, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she is appalled at the attack and has said that those responsible will be brought to justice.

A spokesperson said Ms McEntee has been assured by An Garda Síochána they will do everything possible to complete their investigations as quickly as possible.

They said: “Arson is a very serious crime which carries heavy prison sentences.

“Very significant criminal damage has been caused in this case and An Garda Síochána will relentlessly chase down those responsible for it in the same way as they are pursuing those involved with other recent attacks.

“The Gardaí, the Minister and the department would encourage anyone with any information in relation to the incident to contact An Garda Síochána,” the spokesperson added.

Firefighters have been battling a blaze at vacant buildings in south Dublin since early this morning.

Seven fire engines were called to the scene at 7am of disused buildings in Brittas, near Blessington.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Dublin Fire Brigade said its firefighters used a turntable ladder and emergency tender to tackle the fire, as well as seven fire engines.

#Crooksling

The fire near Brittas has now been contained with six fire engines at scene

We've received great support including water tankers from @FireWicklow and assistance from @ESBNetworks

Over 40 firefighters are working at the incident pic.twitter.com/E74vnQyCY0

— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) February 4, 2024

It was recently the scene of public protests after rumours spread that a former nursing home in the Crooksling area was due to be used for accommodating asylum seekers.

The incident unfolded at 7am when emergency services were called to the scene at Crooksling off Blessington Road.

The Department of Integration said it "strongly condemns any alleged attempts to drive division and hostility towards those who come to Ireland seeking asylum." 

“The department is working to offer shelter to those who are fleeing war and persecution and condemns any violence or intimidation towards International Protection applicants,” a spokesperson said. 

“All those seeking protection have a right to safety while their application is examined.

“The Department also strongly condemns any alleged attempts to drive division and hostility towards those who come to Ireland seeking asylum. Acts such as these achieve nothing but endanger people's lives and homes.

“The incident in south Dublin is currently under investigation by An Garda Síochána.”

An assessment of the property had recently begun by the Department of Integration with the agreement of the HSE, the spokesperson said.

“This process is at initial stages and the property has not yet been deemed suitable nor has been contracted by the Department.”

'Someone could have been killed'

Local Sinn Féin councillor William Joseph Carey said he never received any official notice that the building was to be used for asylum seekers.

“There was a rumour about it, but nothing was ever given to me officially about asylum seekers moving in,” he told the Irish Examiner. 

“That building was a nursing home that has been out of operation for years, it’s been lying there for a long time.

“The first I heard of it being used to house people seeking international protection was when I received an email from some residents during the week, who were calling for a public meeting.”

Mr Carey said: “I’m really disappointed over this; I really hope it was not deliberate. Those buildings are huge and very spread out, someone could have been killed.

“I don’t know the circumstances, but I would condemn any action like that outright in the strongest possible terms if it was deliberate. But we have to wait and see what happened, but that is very very disappointing that a fire took place there.”

Mr Carey added that there “is just no need for these fires”.

“While we don’t know what happened, this is one too many fires, and they are beginning to look organised,” he said. 

“But just to say again, no official notice was given to me about this building being used as a home for asylum seekers.”