An investigation is under way into what gardaí say is a criminal damage incident after a fire broke out at the Ross Lake House hotel in Co Galway.
The hotel in Rosscahill, which has not been in use for a number of years, was due to accommodate 70 asylum seekers this week.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar condemned the incident and said "there is no justification for violence, arson or vandalism in our Republic. Ever".
Ross Lake House, which is currently under private ownership, had been offered a one-year contract to house international protection applicants.
The fire broke out at around 11.35pm on Saturday, before being brought under control by fire services. Nobody was inside the building at the time of the fire.
Gardaí preserved the scene at the hotel for a technical examination.
Earlier, protesters had gathered to form a blockade at the entrance of the hotel in opposition to Government plans to house the asylum seekers on the premises from next Thursday.
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In a statement yesterday, Mr Varadkar said that those carrying out criminal damage against such properties were a "very small minority", adding that "the response from many communities has been incredible".
He said: "I am deeply concerned about recent reports of suspected criminal damage at a number of properties around the country which have been earmarked for accommodating those seeking international protection here, including in County Galway last night.
"Even with robust border controls, extra checks at airports, faster processing times and record numbers of refusals, like much of the world we are dealing with a major step-change in the numbers arriving here, seeking protection. This is driven by war, poverty, climate change and human rights abuses in their home countries.
"I want to assure people we have a rules-based system and are processing applications in record time. All asylum-seekers are registered, fingerprinted, checked against watch lists, and the circumstances surrounding their request for asylum are examined thoroughly. We aim to treat them with dignity and respect while their applications are considered."
I utterly condemn the criminal destruction at Ross Lake House Hotel in Galway.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) December 17, 2023
There is never any excuse or place for violence, hatred or intimidation. Those responsible for this criminal act do not speak for their community or this country.
Minister for Integration Roderic O'Gorman said the fire at the hotel is "deeply disturbing news", while Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said she was appalled by the scenes of the blaze, adding that "these acts do not represent the values of Irish people."
She also urged anyone with information to contact gardaí.
Green Party Senator Pauline O'Reilly said she was "utterly disgusted" by the fire.
She said that she does not think what took place in Rosscahill is representative of people in Galway or Ireland.
She told RTÉ's This Week: "I think people have to remember is it is not only those who are coming legally to seek refuge, but think of all of those who have come to our country and the kind of fear that this instils in people, I don't think is any way acceptable."
Gardaí have appealed to anyone with information regarding the incident at the hotel to contact Clifden Garda Station on 095 225 000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
