Irish PM condemns migrant site arson attack

A NURSING home in Co Dublin that was being considered as housing for asylum seekers has been destroyed in an arson attack.

Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s Taoiseach, said he was “very concerned” by the fire that began at about 7am on Sunday and took more than 40 firefighters nearly six hours to contain.

Police are einvestigating criminal damage at the site, which has been the subject of anti-immigration protests.

Far-right activists reportedly visited the site in recent days, and protesters near the entrance held signs stating: “South Dublin says no. Close the borders.” Photographs showed flames rising from the vacant building and smoke billowing from the roof. It is the latest in a series of attacks believed to have been carried out by anti-immigration activists.

Mr Varadkar 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.

“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.”

The former nursing home closed in March 2020 but last month the Department of Integration told residents that the site was being considered as accommodation for asylum seekers or refugees.

A spokesman for the ministry said: “The department is working to offer shelter to those who are fleeing war and persecution, and condemns any violence or intimidation.”

Mr Varadkar said Ireland was dealing with a huge increase in 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,” he said.

‘It is ironic that some who try to link migration with crime themselves engage in serious criminal activity’