A potentially deadly blaze at at an Irish refugee centre on Friday evening was deliberately started by masked men who broke into the building, set the fire and tried to prevent residents from escaping.
The fire was started at an International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centre in Drogheda, Co Louth, housing asylum seekers including families with young children.
Police have confirmed that it was deliberately started by unknown individuals, with early reports of fireworks being involved now ruled out.
Video evidence
Video evidence has emerged showing attackers breaking into the building and setting the fire, using petrol, on a staircase which would have been a means of escape.
As a result, a group of people, including four children and a baby, had to be rescued from the top floor by emergency services.
Police are now treating it as a case of attempted murder.
Coordinated action
The video recordings captured at least two individuals approaching the centre shortly before the fire broke out. The suspects are seen carrying containers believed to hold petrol, and appear to act in a coordinated manner.
The suspects poured liquid around the entrance and lower windows of the building before igniting it. The flames spread rapidly.
Investigators have as a result ruled out earlier speculation that fireworks thrown through windows by demonstrators have started the blaze.
The CCTV also captured the immediate aftermath, including residents fleeing the building and emergency services arriving on site. One clip shows firefighters rescuing children from an upper floor window.
Several residents were treated at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, though none sustained serious injuries. The attack has displaced 28 residents.
Widespread condemnation
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders and advocacy groups. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan described the act as “extremely dangerous” and pledged that those responsible would face “serious consequences”.
The Irish Refugee Council issued a strong statement denouncing the attack, calling it a “horrific” act targeting vulnerable people who had fled war and persecution.
Political reaction has been swift and pointed. The Green Party accused the government of ignoring escalating far-right violence, with Justice spokesperson Patrick Costello warning that continued inaction could lead to further harm.
Scapegoating
Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon urged public figures to help de-escalate the growing hostility towards migrants and minority groups. People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy also criticised politicians who, he said, contribute to a climate of fear by scapegoating asylum seekers.
The Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, condemned the attack in “the strongest terms”, describing it as a “deeply disturbing incident” and reaffirming Ireland’s commitment to protecting those seeking refuge.
