Arson attacks on accommodation earmarked for asylum seekers will “keep happening” unless there is proper accountability in place, according to Kieran Cuddihy.

The Hard Shoulder host was speaking after Justice Minister Helen McEntee warned of strong penalties for the perpetrators of a suspected arson attack in Galway last weekend.

Gardaí are investigating a fire that broke out at Ross Lake House, Rosscahill, on the night of December 16th, which was due to host 70 asylum seekers.

Punishment

Mr Cuddihy said he had no faith in anyone being punished for starting the blaze.

“The Minister [Helen McEntee] is going to have to forgive me,” he said.

“I don’t have any real faith that anyone will be held responsible or held accountable because it keeps happening.”

Mr Cuddihy said buildings all around the country have been set alight that were due to host asylum seekers.

“It’s not just county Galway over the weekend, it has happened in Rooskey in County Roscommon more than once, it’s happened in Buncrana in County Donegal more than once,” he said.

“It’s happened in Rosslare in County Wexford and Ballinamore in County Leitrim and Moville in County Donegal.

“Similar attacks have taken place in Ballincollig in Cork, Kill in Kildare, Roscahill in Galway, and several places around Dublin city and county.”

Accountability

The Hard Shoulder host said nobody has been held to account for starting any previous fires.

“How many people have been held responsible for all of those acts of arson? Zero, not a single person has been held accountable,” said Mr Cuddihy.

“I won’t hold my breath waiting for somebody to be held accountable for this latest attack, or the next one, or the one after that.

“You’ll generally find when people keep getting away with something they will keep on doing it.”

The scene of the fire at Ross Lake House has been sealed off for Gardaí to conduct a technical examination.