Building set on fire in Dublin set for formal examination
Emergency services attend the scene of a fire at Crooksling off the Blessington Road. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
A senior investigating officer has been appointed by gardaí after a building complex was set alight in Co Dublin.
It comes as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he is “very concerned” following the blaze.
Demonstrations have been staged in the area recently by people who believed the buildings at Crooksling off the Blessington Rd were to be used to accommodate refugees.
The Dublin Fire Brigade was alerted to a fire at St Brigid's Nursing Home in Crooksling in Tallaght at approximately 7am on Sunday.
In a statement, gardaí said they assisted the fire brigade in "managing the extensive fire, with the fire brigade retaining primacy at the scene throughout Sunday".
The control of the scene was transferred to gardaí on Sunday evening.
Gardaí said: "A senior investigating officer (SIO) has been appointed, based at Tallaght Garda Station, to investigate all the circumstances of the fire.
"Tomorrow morning, Monday, February 5, 2024, a formal examination of the building will be conducted by an expert engineer to assess its safety.
"Once feasible, a technical examination will be carried out by the DMR South Scenes of Crime Unit, assisted by the Garda Technical Bureau. The results will guide the Garda investigation."
Earlier, Mr Varadkar 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 themselves engaging in criminal activity.
The Taoiseach said: “I am very concerned to learn about the fire at a former nursing home in Crooksling.
“In recent weeks there have been disturbing reports of suspected criminal damage at properties around the country.
“Garda investigations are under way into the incident in Crooksling.”
Mr Varadkar added that arson is a serious crime, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
He said: “It is deeply ironic that some of those who try to link migration with crime engage in serious criminal activity themselves.
“I want to assure people that we have a rules-based system immigration system.
“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.”
Gardaí have appealed to anyone with information about the fire to contact them at Tallaght Garda Station on 01 6666000, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
