A MAN is being questioned by Gardaí in connection with a suspected arson which extensively damaged two period homes in a Limerick City suburb last night.
The adjoining three-storey early 19th century red brick houses are located on the Ennis Road where homes sell for between €700,000 and €2 million and where the late actor Richard Harris was reared.
It’s understood both properties were vacant at the time, and no injuries were reported.
Several units of Limerick City and County Fire and Rescue Service, supported by colleagues from Clare Fire and Rescue Service, fought the blaze for several hours.
Gardaí closed off a section of the roadway outside the houses, one of which was completely gutted in the fire. Large plumes of smoke and flames rose from the roof as firefighters doused the flames.
In a statement issued this morning, a Garda spokeswoman said they were alerted to a fire at one of the houses at approximately 9.40pm and “the fire had spread to an adjoining property.
“Fire Services attended the scene and the fire was brought under control. Significant damage was caused to both properties,” she said.
“Following enquiries by investigating Gardaí, a male (aged in his 40s) was arrested in the early hours of this (Wednesday) morning and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda station in Limerick.
“The scene is currently preserved for a technical examination and
investigations are ongoing,” the spokeswoman added.
