Gardaí are investigating a fire at a Tipperary library as criminal damage

Gardaí are investigating a fire at Thurles Library as an act of criminal damage.

The fire broke out in the basement of Thurles Library at around midday on Friday, September 22.

Both the library and The Source Arts Centre were evacuated, but no injuries were reported.

A spokesperson for the library service at Tipperary County Council praised the quick response of staff and the emergency services.

“The evacuations were successful on both sides, which is very important. We are very happy that it could be done, and that the library reopened the next day,” said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson told the Tipperarylive that a member of staff spotted the fire “by chance” while in the basement.

“The emergency services were there in absolute minutes,” the spokesperson said.

However, they said by then, the fire had taken hold.

A “considerable amount of damage” had been done to the basement, bins and waterpipes, as well as the front door to the carpark.

The library and arts centre had to be closed for the rest of the day, and the planned Culture Night events were cancelled.

However, the library was able to reopen on Saturday following safety checks by the ESB.

Both the library and The Source are now functioning as normal. But the car park remains closed for repairs.

Garda forensic teams also examined the scene.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána told the Tipperarylive:

“Gardaí and Emergency Services attended the scene of an incident of criminal damage by fire at a carpark in Thurles, county Tipperary on September 22, 2023. Investigations are ongoing.”

RESPONSE

Thurles councillor Jim Ryan said he was appalled that the library would be vandalised again.

He was referring to the incident in March 2020, when a wheelie bin was set on fire in the carpark.

Cllr Ryan said that security at the library would have to be increased.

He called on the local authority and The Source to provide extra funding to protect the building.

“I am totally appalled that something so vital and that people are so proud of would be vandalised.

“I appeal to anyone with information to come forward,” said Cllr Ryan.

Thurles councillor Peggy Ryan said it was “disappointing” that it happened and as a result, Culture Night had to be cancelled.

Cllr Ryan said a lot of work went into organising the event, and it was unfortunate that the incident stopped the event going ahead.

“It is hugely disappointing that the fire occured at The Source. The Source and the library are vital to the wellbeing of people in the area,” said Cllr Ryan.

She said that the gardaí were very active and that there was a sense of safety because of where the garda station is located.

She also said that it was fortunate that nobody was hurt and that incidents like these are not common.

“It is very positive that we have good community policing.”

Cllr Ryan praised the work of The Source and the Library, calling them “community resources” where people feel “safe” and “comforted”.