Tougher measures for arsonists could be on the way, Micheál Martin has said. 

Early this morning, a fire was put out at a seven bedroom property on the Celbridge Road in Leixlip, County Kildare. 

In recent weeks, over a dozen buildings designated for or thought to be earmarked for asylum seekers have allegedly been set on fire. 

This particular property was not due to be used for asylum seekers but Gardaí said there was a "significant volume" of disinformation circulating about the building in the community.

No one was in the building at the time and nor was anyone injured. 

Property after suspected arson attack in Kildare. 07/02/2024. Picture by: Newstalk

Speaking from Washington DC, the Tánaiste said new legislation might be needed going forward. 

“It seems to me that a campaign is developing of arson and criminality,” he said. 

“Government will review this situation to see if tougher measures are required [and] greater deterrence required to stop this activity.” 

'Fears and misinformation'

Local Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy said fears have been stoked up in the area recently. 

“It’s the second fire in little over a week,” she said. 

“People are just horrified, including myself. 

“There’s been a protest outside here, for maybe the last two weeks. 

“There was a leaflet circulated that I would describe as stoking up fears and misinformation that it was going to be used [by asylum seekers]. 

“Then I had it confirmed by the Department that they weren’t even considering this.

Property after suspected arson attack in Kildare. 07/02/2024. Picture by: Newstalk

Paul, who lives locally, said he had felt disgusted when he heard about the fire. 

“I just don’t agree with it,” he said. 

“Arson is worse than anything else that could happen and we don’t want [alleged] arsonists living next door to us.” 

Gardaí have asked people who were in the area of Forest Park and Celbridge Road between 12.30am and 2am to contact them.

Main image: Micheál Martin. Picture by: RollingNews.ie