There is now “widespread fear” among asylum seekers in Ireland following a fire at an IPAS accommodation centre in Drogheda.
Five people had to be rescued from the top floor of the building, one of whom was a baby.
At first, Gardaí assumed the fire must have been set off by fireworks.
However, they now believe it was started deliberately and have urged anyone with any information to contact Drogheda Garda Station.
On Newstalk Breakfast, the CEO of migrant rights’ organisation Doras, John Lennon, said it was a “frightening and traumatising experience” for the people living in the building.
“There were people upstairs in the building,” he said.
“We know it’s not the first time people have attempted to set fire to accommodation centres.
“But it’s particularly worrying that there were people in the building at this time.
“It’s really important that communities stand together against this type of action.
“And that everyone in a position of leadership sends out a strong message that intolerance and hatred are unacceptable.”
I condemn in the strongest terms the deeply disturbing incident at the IPAS centre in Drogheda. To put vulnerable families, including young children, at risk is abhorrent and has no place in our society.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this horrifying experience.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) November 1, 2025
Mr Lennon added that while those who lit the fire “do not represent how the vast majority of people in Ireland feel about newcomers to the country”, asylum seekers no longer feel safe.
“Sadly there is now widespread fear amongst asylum seekers,” he warned.
“First of all, there are people who have been left without accommodation - they’re still on the street.
“They’re particularly vulnerable to attack.
“There are people in many centres who have had to face protests.
“Every day they fear being attacked as they go to and from work and they bring their children to schools.
“So, we appeal to people who are protesting outside asylum centres to remember that these are people’s homes.”
Mr Lennon added that asylum seekers have “not to blame” for any of the problems faced by Irish society.
— Jim O'Callaghan TD (@OCallaghanJim) November 1, 2025
Also on the programme, Fine Gael Councillor Ejiro O’Hare said locals in Drogheda are “deeply upset” about what happened.
“It shouldn’t have happened,” she said.
“The community of Drogheda is a very welcoming and hospitable community.
“It’s not something that we’re expecting; so everybody is shocked.
“The people who are affected are quite shocked.”
Cllr O’Hare added that the attack was “not typical” of Drogheda and that since moving to the town from Nigeria in the early 1990s she had only been shown “love and care” by the town’s residents.
Main image: Gardaí on patrol. Picture by: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie.
