Helen McEntee has condemned groups “intent on sowing division and fear through intimidation” following arson attacks on buildings proposed for the housing of asylum seekers, insisting those responsible will face justice.
The Minister for Justice’s comments came as gardaí carried out a series of searches as part of an investigation into a blaze at a disused hotel in Co Galway where international protection applicants were set to be accommodated. Gardaí previously said they are treating the incident as arson.
The Ross Lake House Hotel at Rosscahill was badly damaged in the fire last month, days before it was due to accommodate 70 asylum seekers.
It was one of a series of recent incidents of criminal damage at properties that have been earmarked as accommodation for refugees or asylum seekers.
A former pub in Ringsend in Dublin was set alight on New Year’s Eve amid speculation it was going to be used to house international protection applicants, even though it was actually due to be used for homeless accommodation.
On Thursday, gardaí said they were investigating suspected criminal damage by fire at an unoccupied building in Fethard, Co Tipperary.
In a statement on Saturday, Ms McEntee said: “I strongly condemn these criminal acts of arson.
“People need to understand these are very serious crimes which carry heavy prison sentences and those who have carried them out will be brought to justice.
“I have been in regular contact with the Garda Commissioner (Drew Harris) and I have reassured him that any resources required will be made available to him.
“Meanwhile, An Garda Síochána is doing everything possible to investigate recent acts of arson. I understand they are making good progress in their investigations and I encourage anyone with any information in relation to any of the incidents to contact them.
“I also ask anyone with information either on past incidents or about possible upcoming threats to contact their local gardaí.
“It is clear that a group of people in society are intent on sowing division and fear through intimidation. I repeat that there can never be justification for such acts, regardless of circumstances or alleged motivation.”
Earlier, gardaí said they carried out four searches at properties in the Rosscahill area on Saturday morning in relation to the investigation of the Galway fire.
The operation was conducted by Garda members attached to Galway Divisional Crime unit, supported by the National Bureau of Crime Investigation.
Gardaí said a number of exhibits were seized which will be subject to analysis that will determine the next stages of the investigation.
The force described the investigation to date as “large scale”, with 229 investigative tasks having been conducted and 145 statements taken.
Gardaí also reiterated their appeal for anyone with information about the attack to come forward.
Ms McEntee said Gardaí and the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) continued to work closely together to ensure effective policing plans were in place wherever there is an identified operational need.
“Where accommodation centres are being established, IPAS notifies and engages with local communities through their Community Engagement Team in advance,” she said.
“Gardaí are continually monitoring emerging threats, including monitoring social media activity, and stepping up policing responses as necessary.
“Both my department and I are fully committed to the fight against racism and bigotry and strongly condemn the actions of those who abuse and attack others because of their own prejudices.
“Ireland is a diverse and tolerant country, and such behaviour is not acceptable.”
