A fire that Gardaí believe was deliberately set at an International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) center in Drogheda, Co Louth on Friday night has been condemned.
In a witness appeal issued on Saturday, November 1, Gardaí in Drogheda said they were alerted by the Fire Service to a fire at a property on Georges Street, Drogheda, at around 8:15 pm on Friday, October 31.
The occupants of the property were safely evacuated, and a number were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for medical assessment, Gardaí said initially.
The scene was technically examined, and a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) was appointed to lead the investigation from the incident room at Drogheda Garda Station.
Gardaí appealed for witnesses to come forward and for those with camera footage from the area at the time to make contact.
In an update a few hours later on Saturday, Gardaí said that following initial reports of the fire being started by the discharge of fireworks, investigations had had since indicated that the fire was "started deliberately by person or persons unknown."
An Garda Síochána commenced an investigation into what it described as "attempted arson."
"This was an extremely dangerous act endangering the lives of the residents, including children, who were in their home at the time," Gardaí said on Saturday.
The occupants of the property were safely evacuated, and a number were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for medical assessment.
Gardaí renewed their appeal for any person with any information on this serious incident to come forward.
Later on Saturday, The Sunday Times Ireland reported that CCTV footage it obtained from within the IPAS center "showed at least one masked man kicking in a door and pouring what gardai believe was petrol on the stairway before setting it on fire, an act designed to ensure the occupants could not escape."
According to The Sunday Times, "Gardai believe this act might have occurred as fireworks were thrown through a window elsewhere, possibly to frighten people into running out or upstairs."
The Sunday Times reported that four children, including an infant, were among five people rescued from the top floor of the IPAS center.
CCTV catches moment intruder torched asylum centre housing children https://t.co/JTC0wDNWe3
— The Sunday Times Ireland (@ST__Ireland) November 2, 2025
Responding to the incident, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said on social media: "I condemn in the strongest terms the deeply disturbing incident at the IPAS centre in Drogheda.
"To put vulnerable families, including young children, at risk is abhorrent and has no place in our society.
"Our thoughts are with those affected by this horrifying experience."
I condemn in the strongest terms the deeply disturbing incident at the IPAS centre in Drogheda. To put vulnerable families, including young children, at risk is abhorrent and has no place in our society.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this horrifying experience.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) November 1, 2025
TD Jim O'Callaghan, Ireland's Minister for Justice, Home Affairs & Migration, also condemned the "criminal attack."
He said: "Fireworks were thrown into the building, causing a fire and putting lives at risk.
This was a terrifying ordeal for the women and children living there, a number of whom were taken to hospital.
"Alternative accommodation is now being sourced for the residents affected.
"A full Garda investigation into this arson attack is underway. There will be serious consequences for those responsible."
On Sunday, TD Colm Brophy, Ireland's Minister of State for Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration, told RTÉ News that following the incident, security at all IPAS centers will be assessed.
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