Twenty eight people have been left homeless following the blaze
UPDATED: 8.30pm
Gardaí have confirmed that a fire at an IPAS centre in Drogheda last night was started deliberately.
Five people were rescued from the top floor of the building - an adult and four children, including a child.
Gardaí and Drogheda firefighters were called to the blaze around 8.15pm.
A number of people were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes hospital for medical assessment.
Twenty eight people have been left homeless as a result of the blaze.
The scene on George's Street was preserved overnight for a technical examination and in update this evening, the Garda Press Office says following initial reports of the fire being started by the discharge of fireworks, investigations to date indicate that it was started deliberately by a person or persons unknown.
Louth County Council’s Chief Executive David Conway has reached out to gardaí directly offering assistance .
The Minister for Justice and Migration Jim O'Callaghan confirmed this morning that alternative accommodation has been found for those who lived in the centre.
"I condemn the criminal attack on a building accommodating people applying for international protection in Drogheda last night.
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.
A full Garda investigation into this arson attack is underway. There will be serious consequences for those responsible."
The Taoiseach Micheál Martin has also condemned the attack.
In a statement, he says it's a deeply disturbing incident - adding that 'to put put vulnerable families, including young children, at risk is abhorrent and has no place in our society'.
He says his thoughts are with all those affected by this horrifying experience.
Earlier today gardaí confirmed that the scene has been technically examined and a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation from the incident room at Drogheda Garda Station.
They are appealing for witnesses and for those with camera footage from the area between 7.30pm and 8.20p to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 9874200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council says it condemns in the strongest possible terms the horrific arson attack on people seeking protection.
"Families, children, and babies who have fled war and persecution targeted as they tried to rebuild their lives in safety. If not for the Fire Service, this could have been even more serious. Those responsible are a tiny minority and do not reflect the proud and welcoming spirit and people of the Drogheda community.
This appalling incident is another salient reminder of the need for strong leadership — both locally and nationally — to stand against hatred and uphold compassion and solidarity."
The Mayor of Drogheda, Labour Cllr. Michelle Hall told LMFM News that she is hopeful that progress will be made in the investigation as soon as possible:
"Well my understanding is there's CCTV on that stretch of road as well in Drogheda so hopefully they'll be able to find the perpetrators as soon as they can.
It's an awful thing on Halloween night when services are already stretched and I'd just like to thank the Gardaí and the fire services and the County Council staff for acting so quickly."
The Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Fianna Fáil Cllr Sean Kelly is welcoming the fact that no-one was seriously injured:
"It's a dangerous territory we're now entering. If it is deemed to be an arson attack, our thoughts and prayers are obviously with the people that were resident in it. Thankfully everybody got out safely with no injuries, but the fact that people had to be saved from the top floor by the fire fighters, as I say, is a dangerous territory now.
Just very thankful to the first responders, the firefighters on the scene who were able to save everybody and thankfully they've all found alternative accommodation."
Local Labour TD Ged Nash has praised the emergency services who responded:
"I want to commend the swift and professional actions of the Fire Service and An Garda Siochána in evacuating to safety families living in a residence in Drogheda that is used to provide accommodation for applicants for international protection.
"That arson is the working assumption of the authorities is chilling and sinister.
"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.
"If this fire occurred only a matter of hours later, we could in all probability be dealing with an unspeakable catastrophe this morning.
"I welcome the Minister for Justice’s strong condemnation of what he has described in a statement as a “criminal attack.”
"The whole community of Drogheda, I think is reeling from this horrific and what's perceived to be deliberate attack on IPAS accommodation in Drogheda last night.
Local Sinn Féin TD Joanna Byrne says while alarming, it could have been a much more serious outcome:
Firstly, I just want to thank our frontline services, if it wasn't for the swift intervention of Drogheda Fire Service, An Garda Síochána, and indeed, Louth County Council to intervene as quick as they did, I think we could be potentially looking at a more serious situation today.
But either way, we've got 28 people homeless, we've got tens of people left severely traumatised, including children, and I just can't emphasise enough how there's no place for this behaviour in Drogheda and I really hope when the culprits are apprehended that they feel the full arm of the law.
It's a very busy area of the town and anybody who was in the area at that time, please bring your any information you think, however important you think it might be to An Garda Síochána to insist them in their investigations.
Playing with people's lives and putting lives at risk is not fun on any day, but particularly on Halloween where our frontline services to be stretched to the max that it is, that they usually earn.
It's by the blessings of God that resources were available to attend as quick as they did or else lives would no doubt have been lost."
Drogheda-based Fianna Fáil Senator Alison Comyn has also responded:
"I am really saddened about what happened last night in Drogheda.
I condemn this deliberate act of violence and my thoughts are with those affected, and I hope everyone is safe and recovering well after such a terrifying ordeal.
We must allow the Gardaí to complete their investigations, but if, as feared, this was indeed a malicious act, there is absolutely no place for such behaviour in our community."
Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly has also strongly condemned the fire.
"Under the cloak of darkness an act of thuggery was carried out which could have resulted in serious harm or worse.
These actions cannot be tolerated, and I agree with Minister O’Callaghan that those responsible must face serious consequences.
But for the rapid responses of An Garda Siochana and the Fire Services, it is unimaginable what may have happened to those women and children.
I am thankful to hear no one will sustain any long term injuries and that all residents have been housed.
I would like to commend and thank both An Garda Síochána, the fire services and Louth County Council for their swift responses to the situation."
