Witness appeal following 'suspected arson' at Galway hotel due to house asylum seekers

The former hotel had not been in use for several years and had been selected to house 70 asylum seekers. Picture: Twitter/X

Gardaí have completed technical and forensic examinations at the scene of a fire at a Galway hotel earmarked to house asylum seekers.

The "incident of suspected arson" occurred at the Ross Lake House hotel in Rosscahill last weekend.

The former hotel had not been in use for several years and had been selected to house 70 asylum seekers.

The fire broke out at 11.35pm last Saturday and gardaí said there were no individuals inside the building when the incident occurred.

In a statement, gardaí said they are "continuing to actively investigate" the incident and have appealed for witnesses.

"The investigation team is appealing for anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact them," the statement said.

"In particular, members of the community in the Roscahill, Oughterard and surrounding areas who may be able to assist gardaí is asked to come forward."

Gardaí can be contacted at Clifden Garda Station 095 22500 the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

In the wake of the fire, two Fianna Fáil councillors were reprimanded for their comments around asylum seekers.

One Fianna Fáil councillor for Connemara, Séamus Walsh, blamed the Government's policies for the fire, while separately councillor Noel Thomas said Ireland should no longer be taking in international protection applicants.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Fianna Fáil said: “Fianna Fáil is a Republican party and we believe in equality and inclusion. The dignity of every person must be respected, regardless of background.

“We do not accept any equivocation in respect of any criminal acts and do not accept attempts or suggestions being made to equate migration with increased criminality.

“Comments made to that effect by any public representative are wrong and unacceptable. The Party has made this clear on numerous occasions.” 

 The spokesperson added: “Fianna Fáil again unreservedly condemns the criminal destruction that took place in Ross Lake House hotel in Co. Galway on Saturday night and comments made by Party representatives have been referred to the Party’s Rules and Procedures Committee.”