An 18-year-old man charged over a petrol bomb attack at a building in Tallaght, Dublin, which was earmarked for asylum seekers, has been refused bail.
Andy Donohue, of Citywest View, Tallaght, was charged with causing criminal damage on May 21st at St John's House.
Emergency services were called to the scene, and the Dublin Fire Brigade brought the blaze under control a short time later.
The estimated damage to the building is reportedly €20,000.
Mr Donohue was arrested on Saturday and charged on Sunday afternoon before appearing in court this morning.
Garda Eoin Monahan objected to bail due to the severity of the charge, which could carry a 10-year sentence and a fine of up to €10,000.
Petrol bomb attack at Tallaght
Mr Monahan said CCTV footage shows a man throw a lit petrol bomb at St John’s House, which bounced off the front window.
Two more petrol bombs were also thrown at the Tallaght building.
The court heard that without the prompt action of Dublin Fire Brigade, the incident could have had "serious and tragic consequences".
The site in Tallaght was being considered to house international protection applicants and protests had previously taken place at the premises.
Mr Monahan said it was evident Mr Donohue "had a clear view on current immigration policy in Ireland".
He agreed with the defence counsel, however, that the accused maintained the presumption of innocence and video footage was open to challenge.
Refused bail
The defence asked that Mr Donohue be granted bail to remain at his home, abide by a curfew and sign on five days a week at his local Garda station.
They also said Mr Donohue had surrendered his passport and would not apply for a new one as part of his bail conditions.
Mr Donohue does not have a history of drug use or previous convictions, according to the defence.
Judge McNamara stressed the accused had the presumption of innocence but refused bail and remanded him in custody.
Mr Donohue will appear at Cloverhill District Court on Friday via video link.
Reporting via Tom Tuite.
