GARDAÍ are investigating a suspected overnight arson attack at a building earmarked for student accommodation in Limerick City.
Fire fighters attached to Limerick City and County Fire Service responded to the blaze shortly after 10pm last night (Thursday) at the former Railway Hotel, Parnell Street, a historic three-storey building located adjacent to the Treaty City’s Colbert Station.
A Garda source said Gardaí suspected that arson was the cause of the blaze at the listed property, which dates back to 1871.
Gardaí said they were aware of disinformation in respect of the use of the building, after incorrect speculation was expressed by some on social media that the building may have been intended for use as an accommodation centre for immigrants.
Video footage of a fire at the building was shared on social media, sparking further speculation about fires at buildings being used for migrant accommodation.
The former hotel, which has lain derelict for the past decade, received planning permission earlier this month for the development of up to 116 student apartments in response to a student accommodation crisis in the city.
The building was purchased last March with a guide price €1.75million by a buyer believed to be from Tipperary, who has a background in the accommodation and hostelry trade.
Emergency 999/112 operators at the Munster Regional Communications Centre in Limerick City received the alert at nine minutes past 10 on Thursday night, and initially dispatched three fire tenders to the scene.
After the fire was eventually put out by firefighters, the building was searched for any possible casualties and no persons were found inside.
Gardaí are operating on the theory that the fire was “possibly started maliciously”, a source said.
Once all three floors were deemed clear of persons, the building was boarded up and determined by Gardaí to be a crime scene.
In response to a query about the fire, the Garda Press Office provided a statement which read: “Gardaí are investigating a criminal damage incident which occurred at a vacant premises on Parnell St in Limerick on Thursday night, 18th July 2024.”
“The fire was brought under control by fire services. No injuries have been reported.
“An Garda Síochána is aware of misinformation, disinformation, and rumour in relation to the use or proposed use of the building.
“In general, it is a matter for IPAS to comment on whether specific locations may or may not be planned to be used for IPAS accommodation.”
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), which operates the IPAS service, has been asked for comment.
