Tipperary school building, subject to suspected arson, was not to be used to house asylum seekers

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth have confirmed they were not planning to use the old school building in Fethard to house asylum seekers. 

Despite rumours online that the building was being looked at by the department, the information was simply untrue. 

A spokeperson for the department of Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth told Tipperarylive: 

"The Department had neither considered or examined this property for use," said a department spokesperson.

Gardaí Aware

Gardaí confirmed earlier today that they are aware of 'possible misinformation, disinformation and rumour' surrounding the possible use of the old school building in Fethard.

However, they did not confirm whether it was an official line of inquiry.

"An Garda Síochána is aware of possible misinformation, disinformation and rumour in relation to the use or proposed use of this derelict building," said a spokesperson for Garda Síochána.

Gardaí did say that they are investigating the incident as "suspected criminal damage."

They said the fire broke out at around 9:20pm on Wednesday, January 3, at a derelict building in Fethard.

"The fire was extinguished by local fire services. The scene is being preserved for technical examination. Investigations are ongoing," said a spokesperson for Garda Síochána.

They ask that anyone with information contact Clonmel Garda Station on 052 617 7640, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.