Attack on IPAS centre in Louth roundly condemned by local representatives

The arson attack on an IPAS centre on Georges Street in Drogheda last Friday, which left 28 residents displaced, has been roundly condemned, with the Minister for Justice saying that there will be serious consequences for those responsible. Louth County Council Chief Executive David Conway has offered the full assistance of the council to An Garda Síochána.

Louth County Council’s Fire & Rescue Service responded to the fire, with firefighters rescuing five people, including three children, an infant and an adult, from the top floor of the building.

An Garda Síochána said that it was alerted to the fire at around 8:15pm on Friday night. Following initial reports of the fire being started by the discharge of fireworks, investigations by Gardaí to date indicate that the fire was started deliberately by person or persons unknown, and that it has commenced an investigation into the attempted Arson of this residential property.

An Garda Síochána said that it was an extremely dangerous act endangering the lives of the residents, including children, who were in their home at the time.

Read also: Series of road closures in Dundalk region this week

The occupants of the property were safely evacuated and a number were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for medical assessment.

A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation from the incident room at Drogheda Garda Station and Gardaí are renewing their appeal for any person with any information on this serious incident to come forward.

Anyone in the Georges Street area of Drogheda between 7.30pm and 8.20pm, on Friday 31st October 2025 or any person with information on this incident is asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 9874200 or any Garda Station.

Information may be provided in confidence to An Garda Síochána by calling the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Condemning the attack, Minister O'Callaghan said “Fireworks were thrown into the building, causing a fire and putting lives at risk.

“This was a terrifying ordeal for the women and children living there, a number of whom were taken to hospital. Alternative accommodation is now being sourced for the residents affected.

Louth Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú called for the culprits to be apprehended without delay, adding that there was a sinister element behind the attack, which he believes was co-ordinated and planned out.

The attack was also condemned by Louth Labour TD, Ged Nash, who said on Saturday: “Let’s be clear. Small babies were hospitalised overnight. The deaths of children, of families, was avoided last night thanks to the response of the Fire Service and Gardai.”