Former pub burned amid speculation over use

A former Dublin pub has been burned amid speculation it was going to be used to house immigrants.

Officers are investigating the blaze at a vacant property in Thorncastle Street, Ringsend in the early hours of Sunday, a Garda spokesperson said.

They said the alarm was raised shortly before 2am and the fire was brought under control by units from Dublin Fire Brigade.

No injuries have been reported.

Last month, protests took place outside the building over speculation it was due to be used to house asylum seekers.

The Department of Integration told RTE it had no plans to use the building in that way.

A Garda spokesperson said the force “is aware of a significant volume of misinformation, disinformation and rumour in relation to the use or proposed use of the building”.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact Irishtown Garda Station 01 6669600 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

Irish premier Leo Varadkar has expressed his concern about the blaze, but emphasised that the cause was still under investigation by gardai.

“The incident in Ringsend is under investigation by An Garda Siochana, which is doing everything it can to determine the cause of the fire,” he said.

“If this was the result of a deliberate act, all efforts will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Anyone with information should contact the Gardai. The premises was intended for use as emergency accommodation for families.”