Gardaí have seized “a number of exhibits” as possible evidence in connection to arson in a Galway hotel in December. 

Gardaí and members of the Galway Divisional Crime unit conducted searches at four properties in the Rosscahill, Oughterard, Co Galway.  

The search focused on evidence in relation to the arson of Ross Lake House Hotel on December 16th. 

Investigators seized a “number of exhibits” possibly connected to the incident. 

This evidence will now be analysed to determine the next stages of investigation. 

An incident room in relation to the investigation has also been set up. Gardaí said it has taken 145 statements and completed 229 “investigative tasks” so far. 

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said she has been in contact with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Gardaí are "making good progress in their investigations".

She encouraged anyone with information on past arson attacks or possible upcoming threats to contact their local Gardaí.

Mr Harris said on December 19th investigators are focusing on a number of local individuals who they believe were responsible for the hotel fire. 

"We have seen from the detections that we have made individuals, local individuals, misguided by misinformation are engaged in regrettably criminal activity around damage to property," he said.

Fire in Galway hotel

Ross Lake House was reportedly due to host 70 asylum seekers before it was set alight. 

A protest against the use of the hotel as emergency accommodation took place the day before the fire. 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar previously said there is “no justification for violence, arson or vandalism”. 

“All asylum-seekers are registered, fingerprinted, checked against watch lists, and the circumstances surrounding their request for asylum are examined thoroughly.  

"We aim to treat them with dignity and respect while their applications are considered.” 

Fire in Ringsend

Gardaí in Dublin are also investigating an arson attack on the Shipwright pub in Ringsend, which was rumoured to be accommodating asylum seekers soon. 

The vacant pub was due to house 12 to 14 homeless families as emergency accommodation from the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive. 

DRHE Director Mary Hayes previously told Newstalk she had spoken to individual representatives and the media about the pub’s intended purpose. 

According to the latest figures from the Department of Integration, 376 recently arrived asylum seekers are now without accommodation.