Gardaí are investigating a suspected arson attack on a building earmarked for student accommodation in Limerick City overnight.
Firefighters responded to the blaze shortly after 10pm at the former Railway Hotel on Parnell Street.
A source said Gardaí suspected that “arson” was the cause of the blaze at the listed property, which dates back to 1871.
Gardaí said they were aware of “disinformation” about the use of the Limerick building after incorrect speculation by some on social media that it may have been earmarked for use as an accommodation centre for immigrants.
Video footage of a fire was shared on social media, sparking further speculation about fires at buildings being used for migrant accommodation.
Three fire tenders were sent to the scene and the fire was put out with no injuries reported.
Gardaí are operating on the theory that the fire was “possibly started maliciously”, a source said.
“An Garda Síochána is aware of misinformation, disinformation and rumour in relation to the use or proposed use of the building," the force said in a statement.
“In general, it is a matter for IPAS to comment on whether specific locations may or may not be planned to be used for IPAS accommodation.”
The Department of Integration, which operates the IPAS service, has been asked for comment.
The former hotel, which has lain derelict for the past decade, received planning permission earlier this month for the development of up to 116 student apartments in response to a student accommodation crisis in the city.
Reporting by: David Raleigh
