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Arson attack at Kildare property following false claims it would house refugees

Protests had taken place outside the Leixlip property in recent weeks after rumours spread that refugees were meant to be housed at the site, which had recently been sold.

Today at 15:23

Gardaí are investigating an arson attack on a Kildare building which had been falsely rumoured to be used to house migrants.

The arson in Leixlip overnight follows a separate attack at a former nursing home in south Dublin last weekend being considered for refugee accommodation.

Protests had taken place outside the Leixlip property in recent weeks after rumours spread that refugees were meant to be housed at the site, which had recently been sold.

However, the Irish Independent understands that this is not the intended use of the property, with gardaí saying they are aware of a “significant volume” of misinformation and rumour in relation to the proposed use of the building.

The seven-bedroom property located just off the Celbridge Road was the target of an arson attack in the early hours of this morning.

Gardaí were alerted to the fire at approximately 1.30am and attended the scene along with local fire crews who managed to bring the blaze under control later in the morning.

There was nobody in the building at the time and substantial damage was caused to the property.

Over a dozen arson attacks have taken place across the country targeting properties that were either earmarked for refugee housing, or falsely rumoured to be used to accommodate migrants.

Gardaí have come in for criticism over the lack of prosecutions relating to these incidents.

A Garda spokesman said they are investigating the incident as criminal damage, adding: “The scene is currently preserved pending a full technical examination.

“An incident room has been established at Leixlip Garda Station and the investigation is being led by a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO).

“Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have information in relation to this incident to contact them.

“Any person who was in the vicinity of Celbridge Road and Forest Park between 12.30am and 2am and who observed any unusual activity is asked to contact investigating Gardaí.

“Any road users or pedestrians who were travelling in the area during this time and who may have camera footage (including dash cam) are asked to make this available to gardaí.

“In particular, members of the local community who may be able to assist gardaí are asked to come forward.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Leixlip Garda Station 01 666 7800, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

“An Garda Síochána is aware of a significant volume of misinformation, disinformation and rumour in relation to the use or proposed use of the building.”

A garda investigation is also ongoing into the suspected arson of the former St Brigid’s Nursing Home in Crooksling, near Brittas, on Sunday morning.

Protests had been held outside the building in recent weeks with the Government considering using the property for refugee accommodation