DUBLIN – Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar expressed “deep concern” on Sunday over reports of alleged criminal damage to properties intended to house migrants, including a fire at a former hotel in County Galway overnight.
Police said Sunday they are investigating an “incident of criminal damage by fire” that occurred at the former hotel in the small western town of Rosscahill shortly before midnight on Saturday.
A video broadcast by national broadcaster RTE and the Irish Times showed flames engulfing the premises and parts of the building destroyed.
No one was inside the building at the time, police said.
Protesters had gathered earlier on Saturday to block the entrance to the hotel in opposition to the government’s plans to house 70 asylum seekers there starting next week, RTE reported.
“I am deeply concerned by recent reports of alleged criminal damage to a number of properties across the country that have been intended to house those seeking international protection here, including in County Galway last night,” Varadkar said in a statement.
“There is no justification for violence, arson or vandalism in our Republic. Ever. Garda (police) investigations are underway.”
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said he is “deeply concerned” after a fire broke out at a property intended for migrants in County Galway. Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images
Similar, mostly peaceful campaigns have grown across the country in recent months as Ireland tries to take in record numbers of refugees amid a housing crisis.
The government agency responsible for housing asylum seekers began handing out tents to some of the new arrivals last week after running out of accommodation.
Last month, unprecedented riots also broke out in Dublin after a small group of far-right activists attacked police following the stabbing of three young children by a man Irish newspapers have identified as being born in Algeria.
Varadkar tried to assure people that all asylum seekers are registered, fingerprinted, checked against watch lists and the circumstances surrounding their claims are carefully scrutinized.
“The response from many communities has been incredible. We have seen people open their homes, schools, clubs and communities to help those most in need. The people who commit these crimes are a very small minority,” he stated.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn