Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said there is “no justification for violence, arson or vandalism” following a suspected “criminal” fire at a Galway hotel intended to host asylum seekers.
He said he is “deeply concerned about recent reports of suspected criminal damage at a number of properties around the country" due to host asylum seekers, including a fire at Ross Lake House in Rosscahill, Co Galway, last night.
“Even with robust border controls, extra checks at airports, faster processing times and record numbers of refusals, like much of the world we are dealing with a major step-change in the numbers arriving here, seeking protection,” he said.
“All asylum-seekers are registered, fingerprinted, checked against watch lists, and the circumstances surrounding their request for asylum are examined thoroughly.
"We aim to treat them with dignity and respect while their applications are considered.
The Taoiseach praised people who “opened their homes, schools, clubs and communities to help those most in need”.
"I believe most people in the country empathise with those fleeing truly terrible circumstances and recognise the benefits that legal migration, in general, brings to Ireland," he said.
Fire is 'deeply disturbing news'
A fire broke out at the hotel at roughly 11.35pm last night, December 16th.
Gardaí said they are treating the fire as a “criminal damage incident”.
It is understood that Ross Lake House was due to host 70 asylum seekers.
A protest against their arrival was held in Rosscahill yesterday following the announcement.
Integration Minister Roderic O’Gorman described the fire as “deeply disturbing news”.
"Politicians across the board should condemn this disgraceful act and the fear-mongering that led to it," he said on X.
'Not a suitable location'
The Department of Integration said it is “working to offer shelter to those who are fleeing war and persecution and condemns any violence or intimidation towards International Protection applicants.”
“The Department also strongly condemns any alleged attempts to drive division and hostility towards those who come to Ireland seeking asylum,” a spokesperson said. “Acts such as these achieve nothing but endanger people's lives and homes.”
Local Fianna Fáil councillor Séamus Walsh said, however, locals have genuine fears about the increase in asylum seekers.
“The Government have to look hard at this situation because people’s quality of life has been directly affected,” he said.
“It is not a suitable location and i don’t feel it is suitable for such a venture and I don’t think the area can sustain it.”
