IPAS centre fire was arson attack, say gardaí

By Rebecca Black, PA

A fire at a building accommodating people applying for international protection has been confirmed as arson.

A number of people had to be rescued from the building in Drogheda, Co Louth, on Friday night.

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 about 8pm.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he condemned, “in the strongest terms”, the “deeply disturbing incident” while Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan warned of “serious consequences”.

On Saturday evening, gardaí confirmed they were investigating the incident as an arson attack.

Emergency services were first alerted to the blaze at the property on Georges Street at about 8.15pm.

“Following initial reports of the fire being started by the discharge of fireworks, investigations by An Garda Siochana to date indicate that the fire was started deliberately by person or persons unknown,” a Garda spokesperson said.

“An Garda Siochana has commenced an investigation into the attempted arson of this residential property.

“This was an extremely dangerous act endangering the lives of the residents, including children, who were in their home at the time.

“The occupants of the property were safely evacuated and a number were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for medical assessment.

“A senior investigating officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation from the incident room at Drogheda Garda Station.

Families, children, and babies who have fled war and persecution targeted as they tried to rebuild their lives in safety. If not for the Fire Service, this could have been even more serious

“Gardai are renewing their appeal for any person with any information on this serious incident to come forward.

“Anyone in the Georges Street area of Drogheda between 7.30pm and 8.20pm, yesterday Friday October 31 2025, or any person with information on this incident, is asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 9874200 or any Garda Station.”

Earlier, Mr O’Callaghan condemned a “terrifying ordeal for women and children living there”, adding some were taken to hospital.

“I condemn the criminal attack on a building accommodating people applying for international protection in Drogheda last night,” he said.

“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.

Nick Henderson, chief executive of the Irish Refugee Council, said it was an “appalling incident”.

“The Irish Refugee Council condemns in the strongest possible terms the horrific arson attack on people seeking protection,” he said.

“Families, children, and babies who have fled war and persecution targeted as they tried to rebuild their lives in safety. If not for the Fire Service, this could have been even more serious.

“Those responsible are a tiny minority and do not reflect the proud and welcoming spirit and people of the Drogheda community.

“This appalling incident is another salient reminder of the need for strong leadership – both locally and nationally – to stand against hatred and uphold compassion and solidarity.”

Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy has said that those responsible must be held to account.

“The appalling arson attack on the International Protection Centre in Drogheda could have easily resulted in death and serious injuries,” he said.

“There can be no excuse for such action and those involved must be held to account.

“This was clearly a very frightening ordeal for those impacted. I want to commend the Fire Service for rescuing people, including small children, from this fire and preventing lives from being lost.

“The Gardaí must now be allowed to do their job and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”