‘We are going nowhere’: Gardaí reassure Wexford community after station firebomb attack

The fire caused extensive damage to the building, forcing its closure, but nobody was injured in the blaze. File picture: Denis Minihane.

Gardaí have vowed they “are going nowhere” and will continue policing a coastal village in Co Wexford despite an arson attack on the local garda station.

A man in his 30s was arrested on Thursday morning in connection with the attack on Blackwater Garda Station, located about 20km east of Enniscorthy.

He is being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a garda station in the Eastern Region.

The fire caused extensive damage to the building, forcing its closure, but nobody was injured in the blaze.

The arson attack occurred at about 2.50am on Tuesday, May 26.

Superintendent David O’Sullivan said gardaí “are not going anywhere” and pledged to maintain an active presence in Blackwater despite the attack.

Gardaí are currently working with the Office of Public Works to identify a site for a temporary garda station.

A modular unit may be installed in the village in the coming days to house a temporary station while repairs are carried out on Blackwater Garda Station.

“I want to reassure the public and the people of Blackwater that we will maintain a garda presence there,” Supt O’Sullivan said.

“The gardaí are going nowhere. Blackwater and Wexford as a county are very safe places. This is completely out of the ordinary.

“The community there is devastated,” he said.

“The garda station in Blackwater is central to daily life. It is the only coastal garda station between Wexford town and Courtown Harbour.” 

Blackwater currently has one full-time garda and an experienced clerical officer serving the local community.

The village is also set to lose its post office on Friday, delivering another blow to the area.

Supt O’Sullivan said he hopes Blackwater Garda Station can be repaired within six months.

The fire caused extensive damage throughout the building, particularly in the main reception office where the blaze started. Smoke damage also spread through the remainder of the station.

Supt O’Sullivan thanked the fire service for its rapid response after 2am on Tuesday morning, which helped prevent the rest of the building from being destroyed.

Gardaí said they do not expect further attacks on stations in the area and warned that anyone responsible for such incidents would face the “full rigours of the law”.

Gardaí carried out a number of searches in the area on Wednesday.

On Thursday, officers attached to the Wexford-Wicklow Serious Crime Unit arrested a man in his 30s in connection with the arson attack. He is continuing to be questioned by gardaí.

Investigations are ongoing.