An investigation has been launched by the Gardaí in Dublin following a fire that ravaged a disused pub, which had falsely been rumoured to be earmarked for asylum seeker accommodation. The incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday at the former Shipwright pub, also known as Sally’s Bar, situated in the Ringsend area on the south side of the city.
The Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) responded swiftly, deploying six fire engines and mobilizing 30 firefighters to combat the blaze, which took three hours to bring under control. Distressing images released by DFB reveal significant interior damage to the building.
In recent times, there have been persistent rumours and misleading information circulating, primarily from anti-immigration activists, suggesting that the building was to be converted into housing for dozens of asylum seekers. Anonymous social media accounts had also called for the premises to be set on fire.
However, the truth is that the building had been acquired by the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) with the intention of providing emergency accommodation for homeless families. This information had been previously confirmed to local politicians and individuals who had reached out to the organization.
On Sunday, the DRHE expressed its disappointment regarding the fire, as it had been in the process of preparing the facility to accommodate homeless families in the area. They emphasized that families experiencing homelessness are no different from others, with some holding jobs and all struggling to balance daily life, including schooling, while searching for a place to rent.
The DRHE noted that if they cannot open such facilities, it poses a risk that families will be left without access to basic shelter. The organization also clarified that it had no other homeless facilities in the area and was not overburdened.
Both the International Protection Accommodation Service and the Department of Integration stated earlier in the month that they had not received any proposal for this property and had not considered or examined it for use.
Unfortunately, this incident is one in a series of fires that have broken out in recent months at premises rumoured or confirmed to be designated for asylum seeker housing. A former hotel in Rosscahill, Co Galway, was similarly destroyed in a suspected arson attack after being acquired for asylum seeker accommodation.
An Garda Síochána reported that they responded to the fire at an unoccupied building on Thorncastle Street, Ringsend, Dublin, just before 2 am. There were no reports of injuries, and the scene is being preserved for forensic examination as inquiries continue.
The Dublin Fire Brigade shared that firefighters encountered a well-developed fire with heavy smoke upon arrival, eventually bringing it under control at 5 am. The scene was subsequently handed over to the gardaí. Firefighters employed two turntable ladder vehicles to fight the fire from overhead.
Politicians, including Fianna Fáil TD Jim O’Callaghan, condemned the fire, particularly given the intended use of the building as a family hub for homeless individuals. Local Green TD councillor Claire Byrne expressed sadness, emphasizing that the building had been intended for use by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive. Dublin Bay North TD for Labour, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, decried the incident as “outrageous,” highlighting the challenges faced by firefighters who have to deal with such hate-driven attacks.
