Gardaí treating fire at proposed Buncrana refugee centre as arson

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to an arson attack on a building in Buncrana which former presidential candidate Peter Casey plans to turn into a centre for Ukrainian refugees.

The incident which was reported to gardaí shortly before midnight on May 11, occurred at a premises within a business park in the Lisfannon area. The fire was extinguished by local fire services.

The building, which was unoccupied at the time of the fire, was significantly damaged. It was the subject of a protest last month after the Derry businessman announced he was planning to convert it into an apartment complex for Ukrainian refugees.

Gardaí say a technical examination was carried out and an investigation is ongoing.

“As with all criminal investigations, the motive behind the incident will form part of the investigation,” a Garda spokesman said.

They are appealing for anyone travelling in the Lisfannon area between 8pm and 12 midnight on Thursday, May 11 who observed any activity which drew their attention to come forward.

They are also appealing to any road users who may have camera footage and were travelling in the Lisfannon area between 8pm and 12 midnight on the same night to make it gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Buncrana Garda station on 074-93 20540, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.