Five people rescued from 'deeply disturbing' fire attack on IPAS centre

A number were brought to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda following the incident. File Picture

Five people had to be rescued from the top floor of an IPAS centre in Drogheda on Friday night due to a fire caused by fireworks thrown into the building.

Justice minister Jim O'Callaghan described the incident as a "criminal attack" and said there would be "serious consequences for those responsible".

Gardaí and emergency services personnel were alerted to the incident at around 8.15pm on Friday night after fireworks were thrown into the centre, which subsequently caused a fire inside. After the fire spread, five people, including three children and a baby, were rescued from the building's top floor.

The fire was later brought under control by fire services.

Some 28 people had been living at the centre. A number were brought to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda following the incident. Their injuries are not thought to be serious. 

Alternative accommodation is now being sourced for affected residents. 

In a statement on Saturday night, gardaí said the fire was "started deliberately by person or persons unknown" and that an investigation of attempted arson has begun. 

"This was an extremely dangerous act endangering the lives of the residents, including children, who were in their home at the time," a garda spokesperson said. 

Mr O'Callaghan said the incident had put the lives of those living in the centre at risk.

"This was a terrifying ordeal for the women and children living there," he added. 

"A full garda investigation into this arson attack is underway. There will be serious consequences for those responsible," a garda spokesperson said.

A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation from the incident room at Drogheda Garda Station.

"Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. In addition, they are appealing for those with camera footage from the area at the time to make contact," the spokesperson added. 

Anyone with information has been asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 9874200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin condemned "in the strongest terms" the "deeply disturbing" fire at the IPAS centre.

"To put vulnerable families, including young children, at risk is abhorrent and has no place in our society. Our thoughts are with those affected by this horrifying experience," he said.

Labour TD for Louth Ged Nash commended the "swift and professional actions of the Fire Service and An Garda Siochána" in evacuating to safety families living at the centre. 

"That arson is the working assumption of the authorities is chilling and sinister," he said. 

"Let’s be clear. Small babies were hospitalised overnight. The deaths of children, of families, was avoided last night thanks to the response of the Fire Service and gardaí.

Mr Nash said that, had the fire occurred only a matter of hours later, "we could in all probability be dealing with an unspeakable catastrophe this morning".

Strong leadership is needed "to stand against hatred" following last night's "horrific arson attack," Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, said.

"The Irish Refugee Council condemns in the strongest possible terms the horrific arson attack on people seeking protection," Mr Henderson told the Irish Examiner.

"Families, children, and babies who have fled war and persecution are targeted as they try to rebuild their lives in safety.

"Those responsible are a tiny minority and do not reflect the proud and welcoming spirit of the Drogheda community.

"This appalling incident is a reminder of the need for strong leadership — both locally and nationally — to stand against hatred and uphold compassion and solidarity."