Petrol bomb on Co Clare home condemned as 'thuggery'

An arson attack, believed to be a petrol bomb, occurred on Wednesday at a home in the Kilnasoolagh Park area, Newmarket on Fergus, Shannon, at approximately 11.30pm.

Calls have been made for additional garda resources to be allocated to Clare after an arson attack on a home that had children present caused “significant fear and distress for residents”.

An arson attack, believed to be a petrol bomb, occurred on Wednesday at a home in the Kilnasoolagh Park area, Newmarket on Fergus, Shannon, at approximately 11.30pm.

Gardaí are investigating the incident of “criminal damage by fire” and said no injuries have been reported at this time.

A technical examination of the scene has been conducted.

It is understood that children were inside the property when the house was set alight and had to be evacuated during the incident.

Fianna Fáil councillor David Griffin said the community was left shocked by the incident.

“It has caused significant fear and distress for residents and for the wider community. Incidents of this nature are not commonplace in our area and can never be considered acceptable,” Mr Griffin said.

“Unfortunately, this is not the first issue we have faced locally. I have consistently raised concerns with An Garda Síochána and, more recently, with the Minister for Justice regarding the need for additional Garda resources on the ground. This is fundamentally a matter of law and order.” 

Mr Griffin added that communities deserve to feel safe and protected, and that he called for additional resources, as well as more CCTV in the area.

“Those who engage in criminality and thuggery need to be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law, and I am again calling for greater supports to ensure that those of us who play by the rules and do the right thing are able to feel safe in our communities.”