Gardaí are investigating a fire at the disused Ross Lake House Hotel in Rosscahill, Co. Galway that broke out around 11:35 PM yesterday. After bringing the blaze under control, fire services revealed that the building had been extensively damaged. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar released a statement expressing concern over recent incidents of suspected criminal damage at properties being earmarked for accommodating international protection seekers. Varadkar condemned the 'violence, arson, or vandalism' in the country for which he believes there is no justification.

The Ross Lake House in Galway, Ireland, which was supposed to host 70 asylum seekers starting next Thursday against the wishes of the Irish people, was mysteriously engulfed in a fire tonight. pic.twitter.com/4TStCEBIfr

— RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) December 17, 2023

He also defended Ireland's asylum and immigration system, saying that the influx of seekers was driven by war, poverty, climate change, and human rights abuses. Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth Roderic O'Gorman called the news 'deeply disturbing'. The hotel, which was to house 70 asylum seekers from later next week, faced protests outside on Saturday, with blockades forming at the entrance to the hotel. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth condemned the violence, stating that asylum seekers have the right to safety and that such acts of violence 'achieve nothing but endangering people's lives and homes' The local community in Rosscahill is estimated to be small, with local councillor Seamus Walsh saying that there is a sense of fear in the community due to the sudden plan to house asylum seekers.

Fear and anger have turned into a genuine fear for the safety and well-being of their families and have given rise to the demonstrations. Authorities believe that close-up videos of the blaze are being shared on social media by accounts supportive of Ireland’s far-right. Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to contact them. Irish politicians from both sides of the spectrum have condemned the fire. Irrespective of their affiliations, all politicians were quick to defend the decision of bringing asylum seekers to the area, condemning the arson, and demanding a thorough investigation. Sen. Pauline O’Reilly described the incident as 'unacceptable' and said the behavior surrounding it were 'bully-boy tactics'.

This incident in Galway and the attitude of local politicians are described as appalling. While some locals expressed concerns over the safety and wellbeing of their communities and had fears of the proposed asylum seekers residing at the hotel, local politicians took major offense to the government's unannounced decision of converting the hotel into accommodation for the asylum seekers without the communities being consulted. The planning to house people in the locations around the country, such as vacant buildings and hotels, has caused a growing opposition in many cases from local people and far-right activists.

Ireland has seen its share of social tensions with the recent Dublin riots. With far-right activists stirring unrest over increased immigration, towns like Rosscahill are gradually becoming flashpoints. Varadkar in a statement urged the people to show their common humanity, and speak to their politicians to get their point across. He described the incident as unacceptable. There were disagreements over the plan to house asylum seekers at the hotel. Locals felt they were not being treated fairly and that concerns were being ignored. The building of Ross Lake House Hotel in a remote area made it difficult to get access to the emergency responders.

The narrow residential area is located between Moycullen and Oughterard and is difficult to access due to its location. Bus services to the area are also limited. Local Fianna Fail Councillor Seamus Walsh, one of the people who attended the protest, reported anger and fear in the community. Residents were concerned about the location of the hotel and the safety of their families. Despite a sense of anger and fear in the community, criminal damage is being investigated. The Government has said that they will continue to listen to communities and help them as they manage the unprecedented situation of bringing asylum seekers to local towns.

Amidst all this, far-right activists are stoking fear using social media to provoke actions that endanger people's lives. Some local community leaders are calling out the government's senseless policies that are affecting people's lives and well-being. The Government, aid agencies, and communities are working together to accommodate the thousands of asylum seekers and refugees fleeing Ukraine. The main opposition parties have called the incident 'disgusting' and said that those who commit such acts should feel the full weight of the law. As asylum seekers continue to seek refuge in Ireland, it is clear that towns like Rosscahill will continue to be on edge given the deepening opposition to hosting asylum seekers.