Justice minister insists those behind arson attacks will face justice

Helen McEntee has insisted those responsible for arson attacks on buildings proposed for housing asylum seekers will face justice.

The justice minister’s comments came as gardai carried out a series of searches as part of an investigation into a deliberate blaze at a disused hotel where international protection applicants were set to be accommodated.

The property at Rosscahill in Co Galway was badly damaged in the fire in December.

The arson attack at the Ross Lake House Hotel happened days before it was due to accommodate 70 asylum seekers.

It was one of a series of recent incidents of criminal damage at properties that have been earmarked as accommodation for refugees or asylum seekers.

A former pub in Ringsend in Dublin was set alight on New Year’s Eve amid speculation it was going to be used to house international protection applicants, even though it was actually due to be used for homeless accommodation.

On Thursday, gardai said they were investigating suspected criminal damage by fire at an unoccupied building in Fethard, Co Tipperary.

In a statement on Saturday, Ms McEntee said: “I strongly condemn these criminal acts of arson.

“People need to understand these are very serious crimes which carry heavy prison sentences and those who have carried them out will be brought to justice.

“I have been in regular contact with the Garda Commissioner (Drew Harris) and I have reassured him that any resources required will be made available to him.

“Meanwhile An Garda Siochana is doing everything possible to investigate recent acts of arson. I understand they are making good progress in their investigations and I encourage anyone with any information in relation to any of the incidents to contact them.

“I also ask anyone with information either on past incidents or about possible upcoming threats to contact their local gardai.

“It is clear that a group of people in society are intent on sowing division and fear through intimidation. I repeat that there can never be justification for such acts, regardless of circumstances or alleged motivation.”

In regard to the fire at the Ross Lake House Hotel, gardai said they carried out four searches at properties in the Rosscahill area on Saturday morning.

The operation was conducted by Garda members attached to Galway Divisional Crime unit, supported by the National Bureau of Crime Investigation.

Gardai said a number of exhibits were seized and they will be subject to analysis that will determine the next stages of the investigation.

The Garda described the investigation to date as “large scale”, with 229 investigative tasks having been conducted and 145 statements taken.

Gardai reiterated their appeal for anyone with information about the attack to come forward.

Ms McEntee said the Garda and the International Protection Accommodation Service (Ipas) continued to work closely together to ensure effective policing plans were in place wherever there is an identified operational need.

“Where accommodation centres are being established, Ipas notifies and engages with local communities through their Community Engagement Team in advance,” she said.

“Gardai are continually monitoring emerging threats, including monitoring social media activity, and stepping up policing responses as necessary.

“Both my department and I are fully committed to the fight against racism and bigotry and strongly condemn the actions of those who abuse and attack others because of their own prejudices.

“Ireland is a diverse and tolerant country, and such behaviour is not acceptable.”