An Garda Síochána confirmed on Sunday, February 4 that Gardaí from Tallaght were alerted by Dublin Fire Brigade to a fire at a building complex in Crooksling, Tallaght, Dublin 24 at about 7 am.
Throughout the day, An Garda Síochána assisted Dublin Fire Brigade in managing the extensive fire, with the fire brigade retaining primacy at the scene.
Later on Sunday, control of the scene was transferred to An Garda Síochána.
A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed, based at Tallaght Garda station, to investigate all the circumstances of the fire.
An Garda Síochána said that on Monday morning, a formal examination of the building would be conducted by an expert engineer to assess its safety.
Once feasible, a technical examination will be carried out by the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) South Scenes of Crime unit, assisted by the Garda Technical Bureau. The results will guide the Garda investigation.
An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with information about the fire to contact Gardaí at Tallaght Garda Station on 01 6666000, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Dublin Fire Brigade posted several updates on X on Sunday after firefighters were called that morning to vacant buildings alight at Crooksling off the Blessington Road.
The site was reportedly the former St. Brigid's Nursing Home.
Firefighters were called at 7am to vacant buildings alight at Crooksling off the Blessington Road
7️⃣ Seven fire engines including a turntable ladder and emergency tender were sent to the scene
?️ Traffic restrictions on the #N81 due to hose lines
? Operations are continuing pic.twitter.com/4srFwgqocc
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) February 4, 2024
The PA reported on Sunday that in recent months, there has been a series of suspected arson attempts at properties in Ireland earmarked for housing asylum seekers or refugees, or properties that were rumored for such use.
Reporting on Sunday's fire, the PA noted that demonstrations have been staged in the area recently by people who believed the buildings at Crooksling off the Blessington Road were to be used to accommodate refugees.
A spokesperson for Ireland's Department of Integration told The Irish Examiner on Sunday that an assessment of the property had recently begun by the Department of Integration with the agreement of Ireland's Health Service Executive.
“This process is at initial stages and the property has not yet been deemed suitable nor has been contracted by the Department," the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that the Department "strongly condemns any alleged attempts to drive division and hostility towards those who come to Ireland seeking asylum."
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said in a statement on Sunday that he was "very concerned" to have learned about the fire at the former nursing home in Crooksling.
He said: "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. Garda investigations are underway into the incident in Crooksling.
“Arson is a serious crime punishable by up to ten years in prison. It is deeply ironic that some of those who try to link migration with crime engage in serious criminal activity themselves.
“I want to assure people that we have a rules-based system immigration system. Applications for international protection are now being processed in record time. All applicants are registered, fingerprinted, checked against certain databases, and the circumstances surrounding their request for protection are examined thoroughly. We aim to treat them with dignity and respect while their applications are considered.
“Like much of the world and all of Europe, we are dealing with a major increase in the numbers arriving here 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.
“The response from many communities has been incredible. We’ve seen homes, schools, clubs, and communities open up to help those most in need. The people carrying out crimes are a very small minority who seek to blame others for their own problems. I believe most people empathise with those fleeing terrible circumstances and recognise the benefits that legal migration brings to Ireland.
“The Government will continue to listen to communities, recognising the effort they are making and helping them as they manage an unprecedented situation together.”
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said she was "appalled" by the incident and promised that "those responsible will be brought to justice."
"An Garda Síochána will relentlessly chase down those responsible for it in the same way as they are pursuing those involved with other recent attacks," McEntee said in a statement.
The day after the fire in Crooksling, a large protest took place in Dublin's City Center, with protesters hoisting signs that said "Send Them Home" and "Irish Lives Matter."
An Garda Síochána said 11 arrests were made during the afternoon, primarily for summary offences under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.
February 5, 2024: Protesters in Dublin City. (RollingNews.ie)
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