Gardaí have confirmed that a fire at a building accommodating people applying for International Protection in Drogheda was started deliberately.
Gardaí said that an investigation has commenced into the attempted arson of the property.
Four children, including a baby, were among five people rescued from the top floor of an IPAS centre in Drogheda last night, after fireworks were thrown into the building causing a fire.
A number of people were brought to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda following the incident, but it is understood that none had serious injuries.
A total of 28 people were living at the centre at the time of the blaze.
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In a statement An Garda Síochána said: "Following initial reports of the fire being started by the discharge of fireworks, investigations by An Garda Síochána to date indicate that the fire was started deliberately by person or persons unknown.
"An Garda Síochána has commenced an investigation into the attempted Arson of this residential property.
"This was an extremely dangerous act endangering the lives of the residents, including children, who were in their home at the time."
Earlier, the Minister for Justice warned of "serious consequences" following the fire.
Drogheda resident: How can anyone just be so cruel?
In a statement, Minister Jim O'Callaghan described the incident as 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," he said.
"A full garda investigation into this arson attack is under way. There will be serious consequences for those responsible."
Three fire tenders dealt with the fire, which caused minor damage, and remained at the scene for two hours.
Gardaí have renewed their appeal for any person with any information on this incident to come forward.
Anyone in the Georges Street area of Drogheda between 7.30pm and 8.20pm, yesterday 31 October 2025 or any person with information on this incident is asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 9874200 or any garda station.
Information may be provided in confidence to An Garda Síochána by calling the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
Investigations are ongoing.
'Repugnant to values of vast majority of Irish people'
The Taoiseach has condemned the incident and said his thoughts were first of all with the families and the children in particular.
Speaking in Cork, Micheál Martin said the Government was concerned about the wider increase in violence and assaults on people because of their ethnicity and background.
He said it was unacceptable in Ireland and repugnant to the values of the vast majority of Irish people.
Sinn Féin spokesmen on Justice Matt Carthy said that those involved in the incident must be held to account.
Deputy Carthy said that there could be no justification for the "appalling actions that put the lives of those living in the centre at risk".
"This was clearly a very frightening ordeal for those impacted. I want to commend the Fire Service for rescuing people, including small children, from this fire and preventing lives from being lost," he said.
Local resident Kirsty Millne, who has been living in Drogheda for around 37 years, said "no one deserves to be treated like that".
"Poor families. The kids. How can anyone just be so cruel? It's very sad," she said.
"Everyone deserves to have a safe home, no matter what country you come from."
Mayor of Drogheda Cllr Michelle Hall also condemned the attack.
"Obviously we feel the frustration of everybody, but that doesn't mean that we target vulnerable people in our society. Irish people are known for compassion. We were welcomed in other countries," she said.
"We have to understand that we extend the hand of friendship as well and we can be angry with the system but we shouldn't be targeting the people," she added.
Additional reporting Teresa Mannion
