Security review of all IPAS centres

A comprehensive security review of all IPAS centres will be conducted urgently following an arson attack on a facility in Drogheda. The safety of residents at several sites in Cavan will also be assessed.

On Friday night, five people- including four children and a baby- were rescued from the top floor of the building housing International Protection applicants. It is understood that an accelerant was used to set fire to the stairs in the Drogheda facility.

In a statement, gardaí said: “Following initial reports that the fire was caused by the discharge of fireworks, investigations to date indicate that the fire was deliberately started by person(s) unknown. This was an extremely dangerous act, endangering the lives of the residents.”

Up to the last week of October, Cavan had 129 people living in IPAS accommodation in Cavan, the lowest number in the country, and down from 134 the month before.