Gardaí investigating fire at site earmarked for IPAs

Gardaí have said they are investigating suspected criminal damage by fire at a property in Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow which was earmarked to accommodate International Protection Applicants (IPA).

The fire occurred in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Fire services attended the scene and extinguished the fire, gardaí said.

A technical examination of the scene has been conducted.

The Department of Integration had said previously that it is considering locating 20 eight person tents on the former HSE site, but that plans have not yet been finalised.

Locals have expressed concern over a lack of consultation from the Government regarding such plans and a demonstration has been taking place at the location.

An analysis by PrimeTime in February showed there has been at least 23 fires set at properties or locations linked, or rumoured to be linked, to the housing of people seeking asylum or international protection.

The research found that in recent months, there has been a marked increase in such attacks.

This year, there have been four other fires reported at properties that were linked to housing people who are officially categorised as international protection applications (IPAs) or beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs).

These incidents occurred in Sandford and Brittas in Dublin, Lanesborough, Co Longford and Leixslip, Co Kildare.