Gardaí have opened an investigation into a suspected arson attack on a former Tipperary school.
Fire crews in Fethard, Co Tipperary, spent several hours tackling a blaze at the old primary school on the Rocklow Road in the town that broke out at 9.20pm on Wednesday night.
Three fire units from Cashel and Clonmel battled the fire until early on Thursday morning. Gardaí remained at the scene overnight. No one was injured.
It is understood significant damage was caused to the building, which has been left idle for a number of years.
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The building was recently boarded up due to “antisocial behaviour”, according to locals.
One person, who did not wish to be named and who lives close to the former school, said the building was in a “very bad” state for several years.
“There are rumours that it was to be used as some type of refugee or asylum centre but I understand they are misguided. There are a lovely group of Ukrainian refugees being looked after in the town and they have really integrated well.”
A Department of Integration spokesperson said they “had neither considered nor examined this property for use”.
In a statement gardaí confirmed they are investigating the cause of the fire and are treating it as suspected “criminal damage”.
The scene has been preserved by gardaí to allow for forensic investigators to conduct examinations.
The statement added: “Gardaí are investigating a suspected criminal damage by fire incident that occurred at approximately 9.20pm on Wednesday at an unoccupied building in Fethard, County Tipperary.
“The fire was extinguished by local fire services. The scene was preserved. Investigations are ongoing.”
Local Fine Gael councillor Mark Fitzgerald said it is “disgraceful” that “an incident like this has occurred” in the town.
“I’d like to commend the fire services and gardaí for their fast response to the incident. Hopefully their investigations will come to fruition shortly,” Cllr Fitzgerald said.
Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information or who may have seen any unusual activity around the site to contact them on 052-613 1202, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
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