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The premises had been the focus of protests and rumours in recent weeks that it was to be used to house asylum seekersFire comes after a spate of blazes at premises linked to asylum accommodation, including the Ross Lake Hotel in Co Galway
The blaze broke out on the vacant former Shipwright / Sally’s Bar pub on Thorncastle Street at around 2am. It had been acquired by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive for use as a family hub, but had been the subject of protests led by anti-immigrant activists amid rumours it was to be used to house asylum seekers.
Dublin Fire Brigade reported that it sent six units, including a turntable ladder, to the scene to bring the fire under control.
No injuries were reported but the building was extensively damaged.
The fire at the premises in Ringsend. Photo: Dublin Fire Brigade
The Garda Press Office this morning said gardaí had attended at the scene of a fire, and that the scene is currently preserved for forensic examination.
Photographs posted on X by Dublin Fire Brigade showed the top floor of the three-storey building ablaze as well as an area at the back of the premises.
Local Green Party councillor Claire Byrne said in a post on X that the building was to be used by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) as a family hub for homeless people.
The fire at the premises in Ringsend. Photo: Dublin Fire Brigade
“This is so unbelievably sad to see,” she wrote, thanking Dublin Fire Brigade and Dublin City Council for bringing the fire under control.
Dublin Fire Brigade reported that Dublin City Council had increased water pressure in the area at the time of the fire to assist in the operation to bring the fire under control.
The building had been at the centre of rumours circulating that it would be used to house asylum seekers, with protesters gathering outside in recent weeks.
Anonymous anti-immigrant agitators online had also made calls for it to be burnt down.
It comes two weeks after the vacant Ross Lake Hotel in Roscahill, Co Galway, was burnt out in an arson attack after it emerged it was to house 70 asylum seekers. There have been a number of similar incidents around the country as the Government struggles to house asylum seekers and refugees.
The DRHE confirmed today it had planned to use the former Shipwright pub for emergency accommodation for families, and said this had been confirmed to people contacting the DRHE and to local politicians.
“We have a number of families who are currently homeless and seeking accommodation in the area, so it is very disappointing. Families who experience homelessness are like any other; some are working, all are trying to juggle schools and busy lives as well as looking for somewhere to rent,” it said.
“If we cannot open facilities, there is a risk that families will not have access to basic shelter. The DRHE has no homeless facilities in the area and it could not be said to be overburdened,” it added.
Dublin Fire Brigade said it was notified of a fire in a premises on Thorncastle Street, Ringsend shortly after 2am, and on arrival firefighters found a well-developed fire with heavy smoke drifting over the locality. Six fire engines responded to the fire including two turntable ladders to fight the fire from above.
“The fire was brought under control by 5am with nearly 30 firefighters working at the fireground. The incident concluded at 6am and the scene was handed over to Gardai. No injuries were reported,” a spokesperson said.
More to follow…
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