Gardaí say they are aware of “misinformation, disinformation and rumour” about the use of vacant buildings after another Dublin property was damaged in a fire.
The former guesthouse on Sandyford Road in Dublin caught fire shortly after 11:30pm on Sunday night.
The alarm was raised by security services in the area and the Dublin Fire Brigade was able to bring the blaze under control before it caused any substantial structural damage to the building.
Gardaí said nobody was injured in the fire – noting that the building is undergoing renovation and was vacant at the time.
It is understood the fire broke out days after far-right groups began claiming the building was being converted for use as asylum seeker accommodation.
A Garda spokesperson said the force is aware of “possible misinformation, disinformation and rumour in relation to the use or proposed use of vacant properties”.
Last year saw a significant increase in suspected arson attacks on locations rumoured to be earmarked for asylum seeker accommodation and Gardaí are reportedly stepping up patrols in response.
The Sandyford fire is now being investigated by Gardaí at Stepaside.
Meanwhile, Justice Minister Helen McEntee told Newstalk Breakfast this morning that arrests and prosecution related to arson attacks are “probably not too far off”.
