There were reportedly discussions online about arson in a Ringsend pub before it caught fire, according to a former detective.

The fire in the in the former Shipwright pub, also known as Sally’s Bar, started shortly before 2am on December 31st. 

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said Gardaí are doing “everything possible” to determine the cause of the fire. 

“If this was the result of a deliberate act, which has not yet been established, the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” she said. 

Discussion of arson on social media

Former detective Pat Marry said investigations into fires are “protracted”, meaning it could take a long time to find any suspects. 

"It’s not something they’ll have a suspect for straightaway,” he told Newstalk Breakfast. “But there are avenues of investigation that can help establish suspects. 

“From what I can gather from newspaper reports and all of that, you had social media talk about arson in that premise prior to any fire taking place. 

“That would certainly fall into the realm of suspect.” 

The vacant pub had been acquired by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive to house homeless families, although false rumours emerged it was to be used for asylum seekers. 

Housing homeless families in Ringsend

Protests against the use of the premise for migrants took place earlier in December and there were objections online. 

Mr Marry said anti-immigrant sentiments are something Gardaí are aware of, and they should consider what information is spread online to cause protests. 

“There’s a huge awareness now that premises earmarked for renovation to house homeless people - or indeed look after people coming into the country - are premises that are going to be targeted by activists against immigration,” he said. 

“It’s a problem for Government and a societal problem. 

“These premises will have to be secured in the process of renovating them.” 

'You never know what turns up on CCTV'

The author of The Making of a Detective, however, also said there are many ways to investigate the fire in Ringsend. 

“You never know what turns up on CCTV in the area, you never know what dashcam footage may be submitted and you also have a network of informants that the guards have,” he said. 

“It’s something that can establish who suspects are and try to gather evidence to make a picture.” 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also expressed concern about the fire in Ringsend but emphasised that the cause was still under investigation by Gardaí. 

Ms McEntee said arson is a “very serious crime which carries heavy prison sentences”. 

No one was injured in the fire.