Gardaí investigating after tents used by rough sleepers set on fire
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Gardaí are investigating after tents used by rough sleepers were set on fire at the Grand Canal. The incident occurred in Dublin on Monday afternoon and no injuries were reported.
Aubrey McCarthy, who runs homelessness charity Tiglin, said the incident has left several people “in shock” and has led to calls for more security and protection for those sleeping on the streets. Mr McCarthy said a Tiglin outreach team were called to the scene on Monday afternoon.
“Thankfully nobody was injured, and it was a small number of tents involved,” he said. "But violence like this should not be tolerated."
A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí and fire services responded to reports of a fire at Clanwilliam Place in Dublin 2 on Monday, 30 September 2024.
“The fire was put out by local fire services. No injuries were reported. Enquiries are ongoing.”
Dublin Fire Service said it responded to reports of a fire off the street at Clanwilliam Place.
“One fire engine from Tara Street fire station attended the scene and firefighters extinguished four tents alight using a high-pressure hose reel. No injuries were reported, and the incident concluded at 1510 hrs.”
The incident comes as the latest figures show more than 14,000 people are using emergency accommodation in Ireland and Mr McCarthy said the situation is “not getting any better”.
“We have an outreach team that goes out every day to help people that cannot be accommodated and that includes Irish, European and international protection applicants.
“We try to get them housed. We go to the Offices of International Protection, we provide them with details, and we leave it to them to address the most vulnerable."