Gardaí say arsonists are behind house fire
Family relocated due to tensions
A HOUSE fire in west Dublin just yards from the scene of the shooting of an infant, mother and teenager four days ago is being treated as suspected arson.
The Mail understands the blaze – which gutted an empty house in a cul-de-sac at Parslickstown Gardens, Mulhuddart – is believed to have been started by an accelerant.
Gardaí believe the attack is linked to an ongoing and increasingly bitter feud between Traveller families in the area.
It is understood that the family living in the property relocated from the area earlier this week due to escalating tensions.
Gardaí have been closely monitoring tensions in the simmering feud following the triple shooting.
It is understood that a Garda patrol had only left the cul-de-sac at 10.30am yesterday. The fire, which was attended by gardaí and the fire brigade was still blazing over an hour later at 11.50am.
Garda teams of crime investigators were yesterday examining the scene to try to establish the cause of the fire. Sources say that all the initial indications are that the house was deliberately set alight.
Officers are also speaking to those in the area and seeking witnesses.
A Garda spokesman said: ‘Gardaí are investigating a fire at a premises on Parslickstown Gardens that occurred on December 14 at approximately 11.50am.’
The spokesman added that there had been no injuries and that investigations were ongoing.
The house is located near the home where an eight-month-old child, his mother and a 17-year-old teenager were shot on Monday afternoon.
Baby John Collins and Matthew ‘Matsie’ Collins, 17, needed surgery for their injuries following the triple shooting. The baby’s mother Lynn Doyle, 29, was holding baby John when they were both hit by shotgun pellets in the attack.
Traveller advocacy groups have called for calm following the shooting and suggested mediation.
Pavee Point spokesman Martin Collins called for peace while Catherine Joyce, Blanchardstown Traveller Development Group manager, offered the group’s help to resolve the feud.
She said they would be willing to work with gardaí, community groups and those involved to try to work things out.
Susan Shaw, interim director of the Irish Traveller Movement, urged those involved to find a peaceful solution.
ali.bracken@dailymail.ie