Arson attack at proposed direct provision centre

There has been a fire at the Shannon Key West Hotel in Rooskey. Gardaí from Carrick on Shannon Garda Station and local fire brigades were at the scene shortly after 8 pm last night (Thursday). Garda Superintendent Kevin English arrived at the scene shortly after 9 pm, and the scene was sealed off before 10 pm.  It is understood that Gardai are investigating, and the suspected cause of the fire is arson. There are reports that an incendiary device was thrown into the property through a rare window.  The scene remained closed until after lunch on Friday. 

The sale of the hotel to a new owner was due to conclude on Monday, January 14th. James Kiernan is in the process of selling the property to Paradub Ltd. The purchasers have been endeavoring to buy the hotel since 2017. However, in recent months news has broken that the property has been offered to the Department of Justice for use as a direct provision centre by a company called Abbey Castle Accommodation Ltd, who have leased the property from Mr Kiernan. The future of the purchase of the hotel is now unknown.  

There was a security guard on the property at the time of the attack, but no one was injured in the fire. Although the emergency services mobilised very quickly, it is understood that there has been fire damage to the bar and reception area of the property and extensive smoke damage though-out the building.  

An anti-racism group has arranged to hold a protest at the hotel on Sunday afternoon. A number of locals have expressed dismay at their community being branded racists by some of the commentary in the national narrative. The attack has been universally condemned. 

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