Seven coaches owned by a private bus operator were destroyed in an arson attack in west Dublin early yesterday.
Four of the vehicles were Eirebus touring coaches, while the remaining three belonged to a subsidiary company, Urbus, which services a route between Castleknock and Swords via Blanchardstown and Dublin airport.
Paddy Kavanagh, one of the owners of Eirebus, said it had "no idea" who carried out the attack, which is reported to have cost up to €1 million.
"We don't know why anyone would do this. It's in the hands of the guards now," he said, adding that the exact cost of the damage had yet to be established.
The arsonists broke into the company's depot at Corduff Road, Blanchardstown, between 3am and 3.15am, according to gardaí.
No one was injured in the blaze.However, all seven coaches - representing almost a fifth of Eirebus' fleet - were completely gutted.
Established in 1971, the company runs coach holidays throughout Ireland, including religious and golf tours.
Last May Eirebus opened its Urbus route, having got a licence from the Department of Transport to join other bus operators in servicing Dublin airport.
Mr Kavanagh said that Urbus, which boasts 18 departures in each direction each day, would continue to operate despite the setback.
"Our services will continue as normal. We have alternative vehicles for use on all routes," he added.
