There will be “serious consequences” for those found responsible for the attack
Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan has condemned a “criminal attack” on an IPAS centre in Drogheda on Friday night.
Five people, including three children under the age of 10, had to be rescued and 28 people were left homeless after a fire broke out at the building on Georges Street in the Co Louth town.
A number of the people who were in the building were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital to be examined.
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In a statement on Saturday morning, Minister O’Callaghan confirmed that the fire was started after fireworks were thrown into the building. He added that a Garda investigation was underway into what was a “terrifying ordeal” for the occupants and that “there will be serious consequences for those responsible”.
“I condemn the criminal attack on a building accommodating people applying for international protection in Drogheda last night,” Minister O’Callaghan said.
“Fireworks were thrown into the building, causing a fire and putting lives at risk. This was a terrifying ordeal for the women and children living there, a number of whom were taken to hospital.
“Alternative accommodation is now being sourced for the residents affected.
“A full Garda investigation into this arson attack is underway. There will be serious consequences for those responsible.”
In a statement to the Irish Mirror, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said: “Gardaí were alerted by the Fire Service to a fire at a property in Drogheda Co. Louth at around 8.15pm on Friday 31st October 2025.
“The fire service has extinguished the fire.
“The occupants of the property have been evacuated, a number of whom were taken to our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for medical assessment.
“The scene has been held for a technical examination, the results of which will guide the Garda investigation.”
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