A man is being questioned by gardaí in connection with a suspected arson which extensively damaged two period homes, located on one of Limerick City’s most distinguished roads, overnight.
The adjoined three-storey early 19th century red brick houses are located on the Ennis Road, an area where homes sell for between €700,000 and €2 million, and where the late actor Richard Harris was reared.
Several units of Limerick City and County Fire and Rescue Service, supported by colleagues from Clare Fire and Rescue Service, fought the blaze for several hours.
Gardaí closed off the road and sealed off a section of the roadway outside the two joined semidetached houses. At least one of the properties was completely gutted in the fire.
The sudden death of a young runner touches running spirits everywhere
Ukrainian commander’s final dispatch: ‘I had hoped my service and sacrifices would be enough, but they haven’t’
Changing surnames after marriage: Timothy didn’t have to think twice about changing to his wife’s name
Eileen Walsh: Women actors ‘are like avocados. You’re nearly ready, nearly ready - then you’re ripe, then you’ve gone off’
Large plumes of smoke and flames were observed emanating from the roof of the property as firefighters doused the flames.
It’s understood both properties were vacant at the time, and no injuries were reported.
Gardaí said they were alerted to a fire at one of the houses at about 9.40pm and “the fire had spread to an adjoining property”.
“Fire Services attended the scene and the fire was brought under control. Significant damage was caused to both properties,” said a Garda spokeswoman.
“The scene is currently preserved for a technical examination.”
“Following enquiries by investigating gardaí, a male (aged in his 40s) was arrested in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 5th April, 2023, and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in Limerick.”
“Investigations are ongoing.”
