Two men (20s) charged in connection with fire at IPAS centre in Drogheda

Eva Osborne

The two men (20s) who were arrested in connection with an investigation into a fire at an International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre in Drogheda have since been charged.

The men are due to appear before a special sitting of Drogheda District Court on Thursday night.

Gardaí in Drogheda arrested the two men after a fire broke out at the residential property on Georges Street, Drogheda, Co Louth, on Friday, October 31st.

Following initial reports of the fire being started by the discharge of fireworks, investigations by An Garda Síochána to date indicate that the fire was started deliberately by person or persons unknown.

In an earlier statement, gardaí said: "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."

One man was arrested on Wednesday night for alleged offences under the Criminal Damage Act 1991.

He is currently detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda Station in the Co Louth area.

A second man was arrested on Thursday morning for alleged offences under the Criminal Damage Act 1991.

He is also currently detained pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda Station in the Co Louth area.