Gardaí investigate fire at disused Wicklow property earmarked for international protection applicants

Gardaí confirmed that they responded to reports of a fire at a property in Newtownmountkennedy in the early hours of Saturday morning. Stock picture: PA

A garda investigation has been launched following a fire at a disused property in Wicklow being considered for housing international protection applicants.

There have been protests at the site at River Lodge, also known as Trudder House, in Newtownmountkennedy, in recent weeks following confirmation that the Department of Integration was assessing its grounds for the housing of up to 160 people.