Four arrests in connection with fire at hotel earmarked for asylum seekers

A screengrab of a video showing the blaze at Ross Lake House in Galway. Picture: Twitter/X

Four people have been arrested as part of a garda investigation into an arson attack at a Galway hotel earmarked for asylum seekers.

The former Ross Lake House hotel, which is owned by a Texan family with Irish roots, was due to house up to 70 asylum seekers for up to a year.

However, on December 16 there was a major fire at the hotel and an investigation was launched.

As part of this ongoing investigation, four individuals were arrested on Thursday morning.

Two males, aged in their 40s and 50s, have been arrested for alleged offences contrary to the Criminal Damage Act and are currently detained.

Two females, aged in their 40s and 50s, have been arrested for alleged offences contrary to the Offences Against the State Act.

All four individuals are being held at a garda Station in the North Western Region.

The investigation is ongoing.

A Government notice from the Department of Integration, on December 15, said that the Ross Lake House hotel, in Killaguile, Rosscahill, was going to be used as temporary emergency accommodation for international protection applicants.

It said: “From December 21 onwards, 70 beds will be provided for people seeking refuge in Ireland who are an International Protection Applicants.” 

A protest was then organised, with around 30 people.

By 11.35pm, a fire broke out and the building was badly damaged, and the area was sealed off for a technical examination.