Emergency Response to Deliberate Fire
An International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centre located on George's Street in Drogheda, Co. Louth, was the target of an arson attack on the night of Friday, October 31, 2025. Emergency services were alerted to the blaze around 8:15 PM after fireworks were deliberately thrown into the building, igniting a fire. Firefighters swiftly responded, rescuing five individuals from the top floor, including three children under ten and a baby.
The rescued residents were transported to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda for medical assessment, primarily for smoke inhalation. Fortunately, their injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.
Residents Displaced, Investigation Underway
The fire caused significant damage to the accommodation centre, rendering it uninhabitable. As a direct consequence of the attack, 28 residents have been left homeless. Louth County Council and Gardaí are providing assistance to those displaced, with alternative accommodation being sourced.
An Garda Síochána has confirmed that the fire was deliberately started and is treating the incident as an arson attack. A full Garda investigation is actively underway, with a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) appointed to lead inquiries from the incident room at Drogheda Garda Station. Authorities are appealing to the public for any witnesses or individuals with camera footage from the George's Street area between 7:30 PM and 8:20 PM on Friday, October 31, 2025, to come forward.
Widespread Condemnation from Officials
The attack has drawn strong condemnation from across the political spectrum and humanitarian organizations. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan described the incident as a 'criminal attack' and a 'terrifying ordeal' for the women and children residing there, vowing 'serious consequences for those responsible.' Taoiseach Micheál Martin echoed these sentiments, condemning the 'deeply disturbing incident' and stating that 'to put vulnerable families, including young children, at risk is abhorrent and has no place in our society.'
Labour TD Ged Nash commended the 'swift and professional actions of the Fire Service and An Garda Síochána,' noting that 'small babies were hospitalised overnight' and that 'the deaths of children, of families, was avoided last night thanks to the response of the Fire Service and gardaí.' Mayor of Drogheda Cllr Michelle Hall urged the public to avoid speculation and emphasized that 'the people living in IPAS centres are human beings — families, parents, children — seeking safety and a better life.' Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council, condemned the 'horrific arson attack' and highlighted that 'families, children, and babies who have fled war and persecution are targeted as they try to rebuild their lives in safety.'
6 Comments
Donatello
It's horrifying that a baby was put at risk, and the attackers should be punished. However, the lack of proper consultation with local communities about these centres is fueling resentment.
Leonardo
Putting vulnerable people in unsuitable centres creates these volatile situations. Policy failure.
Africa
Heroic work by our firefighters! They saved innocent lives.
ZmeeLove
While the attack is utterly despicable and those children are innocent, we also need to seriously address the underlying community frustrations that are clearly reaching a boiling point.
Comandante
More security theatre. Address the root causes of community anger, not just the symptoms.
Michelangelo
The emergency services did an incredible job, and the victims deserve our sympathy. But we can't ignore how poorly managed the IPAS system is, leading to these volatile situations.