The 28 asylum seekers left homeless after the arson attack on the IPAS centre in Drogheda have been moved to alternative accommodation.
They were transferred to two different locations in the greater Drogheda area. Arrangements were also made by Louth County Council and Dept of Justice officials so that all the children affected got to their respective schools this week.
Gardai hunting the unidentified arsonist have received a huge amount of information from the general public. Officers are also examining all CCTV footage in the Georges Street and the North Road areas of Drogheda to see if they can locate the possible suspect.
Detectives have made door to door calls and obtained a large amount of private footage from homeowners. Detectives believe the attack was premeditated and have dismissed many of the conspiracy theories that have appeared on social media.
A garda source said: “The public have been extremely helpful and we are doing everything in our power to find this individual. Dont believe most of what you see on social media.”
Yesterday the Louth Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O’Murchu demanded that the arsonist responsible must be charged with attempted murder.
He said: “My thoughts are with those people who are very lucky to be alive. It is very difficult to see this as anything but attempted murder.
“Anyone involved in this heinous attack needs to face the full powers of the law. Violent attacks such as this are unjustifiable and unacceptable. Any issues that need to be addressed in relation to the migration system are no excuse for violence or racism.
“The mindset that could engage in this is absolutely frightening and there can be no space for itin Irish society.”
He appealed to anyone with information about the fire to immediately contact the Garda in Drogheda.
Deputy O’Murchu added:” The Gardai need to investigate every aspect of this fire. If this attack had happened later when everyone was asleep we could have been looking at multiple deaths.”
The people of Drogheda have donated clothes, food and gifts for all the families and children affected by the malicious blaze.
