On Saturday night, a fire destroyed most of a disused hotel in Co Galway that was set to begin housing up to 70 asylum seekers from Thursday, December 21st.
Minister for Integration, Roderic O’Gorman said the blaze, which gardaí believe was started deliberately, was a “deeply sinister” act designed to intimidate international protection applicants.
The fire at Ross Lake House hotel in Rosscahill, a remote area between Moycullen and Oughterard, is the latest in a growing list of incidents where buildings – particularly hotels – set aside to house asylum seekers, have been vandalised.
Meanwhile, two local Fianna Fáil councillors in Co Galway have blamed the Government for creating the tensions which led to the fire.
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With asylum seekers continuing to arrive in Ireland each day, and little or no capacity to accommodate them, the Government is facing a mammoth task.
Today, on In the News: After another arson attack, what options are left for housing asylum seekers?
Presented by Sorcha Pollak. Produced by John Casey and Suzanne Brennan.
