Taoiseach ‘very concerned’ as gardaí investigate possible arson attack in Brittas

Gardaí have launched an investigation into a suspected arson attack on a former Dublin nursing home being considered for asylum seeker accommodation.

Firefighters in Co Dublin on Sunday continued to battle a blaze at the site near Brittas that was being considered as a possible accommodation centre for international protection applicants or refugees.

The Garda took control of the scene on Sunday evening, with a senior investigating officer, based at Tallaght Garda station, appointed to investigate the circumstances of the blaze. On Monday, the building will be examined by a safety engineer and a scenes of crime unit, assisted by the Garda technical bureau.

On Sunday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he was “very concerned”.

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“In recent weeks there have been disturbing reports of suspected criminal damage at properties around the country. There is never any justification for violence, arson or vandalism in our Republic.,” he said.

“Arson is a serious crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. It is deeply ironic that some of those who try to link migration with crime engage in serious criminal activity themselves.

According to Dublin Fire Brigade, seven units were called to tackle the fire at the vacant building.

The emergency services were called to the building off the Blessington Road at 7am on Sunday.

The Department of Integration condemned attacks on asylum seeker accommodation which “achieve nothing but endanger people’s lives and homes”.

“The Department is working to offer shelter to those who are fleeing war and persecution, and condemns any violence or intimidation towards International Protection applicants.”

The spokesperson did not confirm the location was being considered as asylum seeker accommodation.

The former nursing home, which was known as St Brigid’s, suffered extensive damage in the fire.

The site has been the subject of protests throughout the week, with some demonstrators setting up a tent near the entrance stating “South Dublin Says No. Close the borders”.

Another large sign stated: “Brittas Community Says No. Please Listen to Us”.

It has been visited by several well-known far-right activists in recent days.

Crooksling is about 8km south of Tallaght close to the village of Brittas. The nursing home was closed down in March 2020 with residents being moved to a new facility in Tallaght.

Locals campaigned for the HSE to keep the home open and invest in refurbishment. However, a HSE review found it was “no longer useful for healthcare provision” and that the building’s systems “have approached their end of life or have failed or become obsolete”.

Last month, following queries from residents of the area, some local representatives were informed by the Department of Integration that the former nursing home was undergoing an assessment for use as possible accommodation for asylum seekers or refugees.

“This means the Department is checking its conditions to see if it would be suitable to house people,” read an email circulated by Fine Gael Emer Higgins TD for Dublin Mid West Emer Higgins.

“That assessment has not yet been complete, the Department hasn’t made a decision and no contracts have been entered into,” she wrote.

“I’m disgusted. I really can’t believe it,” said Eoin Ó Broin, Social Democrats councillor in South Dublin, of the fire. He said “there is no sense” the majority of residents were opposed to the building’s use as asylum seeker accommodation.

Local Fianna Fáil councillor Trevor Gilligan said he condemns the attack, “if it does prove to be an attack”. He said local residents would also condemn it. “It’s a tight-knit community and people are very upset.”

He said there has been a lack of accurate information on the use of the centre. “I think residents just want clarification and would like to know what’s happening here.”

Mr Varadkar said Ireland was dealing with a huge increase in the numbers of people arriving “irregularly”.

“Many if not most are fleeing conflict, grinding poverty, climate change and human rights abuses in their home countries. We have robust border controls, extra checks at airports and faster processing times.”

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