Gardaí investigating fire at vacant residential property in Kildare

A vacant house which was targeted by arsonists in the early hours of this morning. The house on Forest Park, Celbridge Road in Leixlip, was falsely rumoured to be earmarked for refugee accommodation. Picture: Sam Boal/©RollingNews.ie

Gardaí are investigating an arson attack in Leixlip, Co Kildare, on Wednesday morning.

Gardaí say they are aware of a significant volume of misinformation, disinformation, and rumour surrounding the use, or proposed use of the building.

However, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth confirmed that it was not considering the building for use in any capacity. 

Emergency services were alerted to a fire at a vacant residential property on Celbridge Road around 1.30am.

Local fire services also attended and the fire was brought under control some time later.

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

The scene is currently preserved pending a full technical examination, and an incident room has been set up at Leixlip Garda Station.

Gardaí at the scene of the fire on the Celbridge Road, Leixlip. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Commenting on the attack, a spokesperson for the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth said: “The property referred to was not under consideration for use by the Department.

“The Department condemns all acts of intimidation and criminality committed by the small minority who want to sow division in our society.

“Arson is a very serious crime which carries heavy prison sentences. No one has the right to cause damage to property, to cause fear, or to threaten public order.

“There can never be justification for such acts, regardless of circumstances or alleged motivation."

Gardaí are now appealing to anyone who may have information to contact them.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: "Any person who was in the vicinity of Celbridge Road and Forest Park between 12.30am and 2am and who observed any unusual activity is asked to contact investigating gardaí.

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

"In particular, members of the local community who may be able to assist gardaí are asked to come forward."

Firefighters tackling the blaze in Co Dublin on Sunday.

Anyone with information can contact Leixlip Garda station 01 666 7800, the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Earlier this week, a Dublin building became at least the 17th in a year to be set on fire because the property was linked to accommodating asylum seekers.

However, no arrests have been made in connection with these incidents.

Some 40 firefighters attached to seven units from the Dublin Fire Brigade battled a major blaze at the former St Brigid’s Nursing Home at Crooksling, close to the village of Brittas, on Sunday. 

Protesters had been near the site in recent weeks, but this intensified last Friday when a 24-hour protest began.

While Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said gardaí will relentlessly chase down those responsible for the latest attack, there have been no arrests relating to the other fires recorded at similar properties across the country over the past year.

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