Government to consider tougher penalties for arson attacks on asylum seeker accommodation

Gardaí are investigating the fire at a vacant residential property on Celbridge Road and said they are aware of misinformation, disinformation, and rumour surrounding the use, or proposed use of the building. Photo: Sam Boal / © RollingNews.ie

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said the Government will examine tougher sanctions against people responsible for arson attacks on buildings linked to asylum seeker accommodation.

Mr Martin made the comments in Washington DC after yet another attack on a building rumoured to be used to accommodate international protection applicants, this time a seven-bed dormer bungalow in Leixlip, Co Kildare.

Gardaí are investigating the fire at a vacant residential property on Celbridge Road and said they are aware of misinformation, disinformation, and rumour surrounding the use, or proposed use of the building.

The Department of Integration has since confirmed that it had not been considering the building for asylum seekers or refugees and the information being spread online was entirely false.

It is believed there have been at least 23 arson attacks on buildings linked, correctly or incorrectly, to asylum seekers and refugees. 

Mr Martin said the individuals responsible for the spate of attacks on such buildings were not acting with “impunity” and would be held responsible for their crimes.

Signaling a tougher stance, he said the Government will review the situation to see if stronger measures are required.

“Greater deterrence is required to stop this activity,” he said.

“It’s important that people are brought to account because lives can be lost through this criminal and reckless behaviour. It’s unacceptable.

“We haven’t had this before in Ireland. And clearly, an organised campaign seems to be afoot to burn buildings, destroying property, with the potential impact on human life.”