Combatting arson attacks ‘vital for society’, Taoiseach warns after house fire
By Gráinne Ní Aodha and Cillian Sherlock, Press Association
It is “vital” that the State prevents further arson attacks and brings perpetrators to justice, the Taoiseach has said, as gardaí search for those responsible for a fatal house fire in Co Offaly.
A murder investigation has been launched after the deaths of a woman and a child at a house on Castleview Park in Edenderry at around 7.45pm on Saturday.
The victims have been named as four-year-old Tadhg Farrell and Mary Holt, aged 60.
Another woman, aged in her 50s, is being treated in hospital for her injuries. Post-mortem examinations were to be carried out on Sunday.
Superintendent Liam Geraghty said at the weekend that they believe the house was attacked by a person or persons unknown at this time and that the fire was deliberately started.
On Monday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the incident as a “savage, callous and reckless attack on a family home”, adding the “level of inhumanity is difficult to comprehend”.
“This violence must stop in our society. Those responsible for this criminal attack will be brought to justice and no effort will be spared by the gardaí and by the State to ensure that that happens.”
He added: “At a time like this, at Christmas time, to witness a young, four-year-old and his grand aunt being killed in this savage way is something that I think all of us in society are shocked at.”
The Fianna Fáil leader said the attack was an “assault on society” as he noted that there had been other recent arson attacks in which accelerants were used.
Mr Martin said Cabinet would be discussing how to prevent similar attacks in the future.
“The stakes are vital for us all as a society that we do develop the capacity to prevent such attacks and make sure that those who committed them are apprehended and brought to justice.”
On Monday, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan condemned the attack and said it was “designed to kill the inhabitants”.
He told RTÉ that one line of inquiry being pursued by gardaí was that the attack was “caused by people involved in the drugs trade”.
He added: “If that is the case, it shows how dangerous that trade is and how dangerous it is to innocent people, such as the two innocent people who were killed and the innocent woman who was seriously injured.
“It just confirms that drugs are destroying societies and people who get involved in drugs need to know that it will wreak devastation not just on themselves but those who are close to them.”
Mr O’Callaghan said gardaí are following a “definite line of inquiry” into the “shocking” attack, and urged anyone with information to come forward.
An appeal has been issued for anyone who was in the vicinity of Castleview Park or adjoining roads between 7pm and 8pm on Saturday, or who was driving in the vicinity of Castleview Park or adjoining roads between 7pm and 8pm on Saturday, to contact gardaí.
