A man has been arrested in connection with fires at a property in Leixlip, Co Kildare, falsely rumoured to house asylum seekers. 

The seven-bedroom bungalow on Celbridge Road was set alight in the early hours of January 30th and February 7th. 

The man, aged in his 40s, has been arrested and is currently being detained at a Garda station in Kildare. 

No one was in the building at the time of the fires, although Gardaí said “substantial damage” had been done to the property. 

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

The Leixlip 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. 

The vacant house had been the site of several protests ahead of the fires.

Misinformation before Kildare fire

After the fire in February, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said new legislation might be needed going forward to prevent further incidents. 

“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.” 

Local Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy also said at the time fears had been stoked up in the area recently. 

“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. 

Investigations are ongoing and Gardaí have asked witnesses to come forward.