Gardaí arrest two men after break-in at centre intended for asylum seekers

The property on High Street was targeted in a suspected arson attack on Tuesday night. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Two men have been arrested in connection with a break-in at a proposed asylum seeker accommodation centre that was hit by a suspected petrol bomb attack just a few days ago.

Gardaí said the men, aged in their 30s and 40s, are currently being questioned about the forced entry into the premises in Tallaght, south Dublin.

This property, on High Street, was targeted in a suspected arson attack on Tuesday night.

After that incident, the Department of Integration confirmed that the property was intended for use “shortly” by families seeking international protection.

There have been small protests outside the premises over recent weeks.

The statement issued by Garda HQ this morning said: “Gardaí have arrested two men following a break-in at a vacant premises on the High Street in Tallaght, Dublin 24 just after midnight this morning, Thursday, 23 May 2024.

“The men, one his 40s, and the other in his 30s, are currently detained at a Garda Station in the DMR under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.” 

The men can be held in custody for up to 24 hours, excluding sleep breaks.

The separate garda investigation into the suspected petrol bomb attack is ongoing. Officers have been gathering CCTV for analysis.