Gardaí Believe Far-Right Agitators Are Behind Recent Attacks On A Site In Rathcoole Rumoured To House Asylum Seekers

It is the latest incident at the site in the past three months since the false claim was made that the premises was to be used to house asylum-seekers

Gardaí are investigating whether far-right agitators are behind a campaign of intimidation after disinformation spread that 70 male asylum seekers were to be housed in a local business premises in Rathcoole, according to the Irish Independent.

CCTV has captured an arson attack that occurred at the premises last Tuesday, causing extensive damage.

In the footage, masked individual is seen being dropped off outside the premises by another person on a motorbike.

He then lights two petrol bombs and smashes two windows before throwing the bombs into the building, causing two explosions.

The individual then escapes on the motorbike.

It is the latest incident at the site, which is an office building, in the past three months since the false claim was made that the premises was to be used to house asylum-seekers.

Gardaí believe it is linked to the campaign of disinformation.

One line of investigation is that the offenders in this incident are not from the Rathcoole area, and may have been paid to carry out the attack.

There has been no arrests so far.

This incident is being linked to a previous attempted arson attack at the premises that occurred in June 2024.

In the early morning attack, a window was broken and the arsonist is suspected of accidentally setting himself on fire before the blaze ignited.

It is reported by The Irish Independent that this incident happened less than a week before a builder at the site was threatened by a person in relation to the disinformation about the premises being used to house asylum-seekers.

The owners of the premises were contacted by The Irish Independent, however they said they did not want to comment.

It is noted that sources say the owners have explained on many occasions, such as on phone calls and in other communications to concerned people that the property is not being used to house asylum-seekers.

There is a sign at the property stating that the building is not going to be used to accommodate asylum-seekers.

It is understood the property contains nine rooms, and is not suitable to house asylum-seekers.