Authorities in Ireland are currently probing a possible act of arson that took place at a building in Limerick designated for student housing. The incident happened at the erstwhile Railway Hotel on Parnell Street, a three-floor historic structure near the city’s bus and railway station. Local fire services were quick to respond, managing to douse the fire shortly past 10 in the evening.
The building, a listed property tracing its history back to 1871, was believed to have been set alight intentionally, as per an anonymous source. However, the Gardaí dismissed misleading reports circulating on social media that the structure was intended for immigrant housing.
The pre-owned hotel, which was purchased the previous March for a sum of €1.75 million by a supposed buyer from County Tipperary involved in the accommodation and hospitality industry, has been idle for the last ten years. Earlier in the month, it received approval to construct up to 116 student flats in response to the urgent requirement for student housing in the city.
The Garda Press Office issued a statement stating their ongoing investigation into the incident of criminal damage at the vacant premises on Parnell Street in Limerick on the evening of Thursday, 18th July 2024. The fire was successfully contained by the responding fire services, and thankfully, no one was injured.
The An Garda Síochána clarified that they were keenly aware of circulating rumours and misinformation regarding the intended usage of the building. They deferred to the IPAS for confirmation on whether this or any other site was intended for IPAS housing.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) which runs the IPAS service, has been requested to reveal more details on the matter. Tune in to our Inside Politics podcast for more comprehensive political discussions and inquiry.