Taoiseach condemns 'deeply disturbing' attack on Drogheda IPAS centre 'in the strongest terms'
Micheál Martin said his "thoughts are with those affected by this horrifying experience"
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has condemned “in the strongest terms”, what he described as a “deeply disturbing incident” at an IPAS centre in Drogheda on Friday night.
A number of people had to be rescued from the building in Drogheda following the attack, some of whom were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. It has been reported the people rescued included four children, one of whom was a baby.
They were rescued from the top floor of the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centre following the blaze, which was reported at around 8pm on Friday, October 31.
“To put vulnerable families, including young children, at risk is abhorrent and has no place in our society,” the Taoiseach posted on the social media platform X.
“Our thoughts are with those affected by this horrifying experience.”
Martin's comments come after Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said fireworks were thrown into the building, causing a fire and putting lives at risk.
Minister O'Callaghan condemned what he described as a “terrifying ordeal for women and children living there” and promised "serious consequences" for those responsible.
“I condemn the criminal attack on a building accommodating people applying for international protection in Drogheda last night,” he said.
“Fireworks were thrown into the building, causing a fire and putting lives at risk. This was a terrifying ordeal for the women and children living there, a number of whom were taken to hospital.”
Mr O’Callaghan said alternative accommodation is now being sourced for the residents affected.
“A full Garda investigation into this arson attack is under way. There will be serious consequences for those responsible,” he added.
A Garda spokesperson said Gardaí were alerted by the fire service to a blaze at the property in Drogheda at about 8.15pm on Friday.
“The occupants of the property have been evacuated, a number of whom were taken to our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for medical assessment,” they said.
“The scene has been held for a technical examination, the results of which will guide the Garda investigation.”
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