Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that the string of arson attacks against properties earmarked for accommodation of refugees or asylum seekers must stop and that the perpetrators do not have the support of the Irish people.

Teachta Crowe was speaking after the latest such incident, this occurring at the former St Brigid’s nursing home in Brittas, Co. Dublin.

Teachta Crowe said:

“The burning of St Brigid’s, a former nursing home in Brittas, Co. Dublin, is just another is a series of arson attacks on sites earmarked as possible accommodation for refugees and asylum seekers. These attacks are a pattern dating back nearly six years now and have only intensified in the past 12 months.

“I had spoken to Minister Joe O’Brien about this site only last week and highlighted the threat of arson given the attacks we have seen right across the state.

“These attacks cannot be allowed to go on with impunity. It is only a matter of time until someone is caught in the blaze or a firefighter is injured or worse battling the fire. There must be consequences to this dangerous and extreme anti-social behaviour.

“People who go out and set fire to these buildings do not represent the Irish people and if they believe that, they are only fooling themselves. These attacks must stop, the perpetrators must be apprehended, and no more lives should be put at risk.”

“Anyone with information about this attack should go to the gardaí.”