Gardaí have issued an appeal for witnesses to a fire in Dublin yesterday to come forward.
The building was due to be used as emergency accommodation for homeless families.
In mid-December anti-immigration protests were held at the building by people claiming that it was due to be used as emergency accommodation for International Protection applicants.
However, a spokesperson for the Department of Integration said that it had no plans to use the building to house asylum seekers.
The fire broke out at the unoccupied building, the former Shipwright pub, also known as Sally’s Bar, on Thorncastle Street in Ringsend shortly before 2am yesterday.
Six fire engines and nearly 30 firefighters from Dublin Fire Brigade were deployed. The blaze was brought under control by around 5am.
No one was in the building at the time of the fire. However, substantial damage was caused to the property.
Gardaí said they are aware of a significant volume of misinformation, disinformation and rumour in relation to the use or proposed use of the building.
An incident room has been established at Irishtown Garda Station for the investigation.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone, including road users and pedestrians, who was in the area of Thorncastle Street between 1am and 2.30am and who observed any unusual activity to contact them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Irishtown Garda Station on 01 666 9600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
