Gardaí are conducting enquires into the fire that a councillor has called ‘unbelievably sad’.
A fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning (31 December) at a vacant Dublin pub that was set to be used as emergency accommodation for homeless families.
In a statement to JOE, a Garda spokesperson said officers attended the blaze at the unoccupied building on Thorncastle Street in Ringsend shortly before 2am.
“The fire was brought under control by units from Dublin Fire Brigade,” the Garda spokesperson added.
Sharing images of the blaze, which took place at the former Shipwright pub, Dublin Fire Brigade said six fire engines attended the scene – with a turntable ladder being deployed to fight the fire from above.
Overnight, firefighters were called to a vacant premises on fire in #Ringsend
6️⃣ Fire engines attended including a turntable ladder to fight the fire from above
? Smoke drifted across the area
Thanks to @DubCityCouncil who increased the water supply to the fireground pic.twitter.com/NgswSP6jhG
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) December 31, 2023
“There was no reports of anyone injured. The scene is preserved for forensic examination. Enquires are ongoing,” Gardaí also said.
Multiple news outlets have reported that the premises had been acquired by the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive, which was working to convert the building into emergency accommodation for homeless families.
This is so unbelievably sad to see. The building was to be used by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive as a family hub. Thanks to @DubFireBrigade & @DubCityCouncil for keeping it under control & the people of #Ringsend safe. https://t.co/N48UWX4nZo
— Cllr Claire Byrne (@CByrneGreen) December 31, 2023
Sharing the Dublin Fire Brigade’s post about the fire, Green Party councillor Claire Byrne wrote: “This is so unbelievably sad to see.
“The building was to be used by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive as a family hub. Thanks to Dublin Fire Brigade and Dublin City Council for keeping it under control and the people of Ringsend safe.”
Several outlets have also stated that there had been false rumours that the building was set to be used as accommodation for asylum seekers.
Images via Dublin Fire Brigade
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