Construction worker lucky to be alive after petrol attack in Ballyfermot

Gardai in Ballyfermot are investigating an incident which occurred yesterday on Orchard Lawns in which the construction vehicle a worker was operating was set on fire.

According to Gardai, petrol was thrown into the cab area of a digger as it was being operated.

In a statement released to Echo.ie, a Garda Spokesperson said: “Gardaí in Ballyfermot are investigating an incident at a building site on Orchard Lawns in Ballyfermot on the 19th of December at approximately 1.10pm.

“Petrol was thrown into the cab area of a digger as it was being operated.

“A small fire resulted but was put out.

“The driver of the digger was uninjured but was taken to St James’s hospital as a precaution.

“The matter is under investigation.”

The incident happened where work has begun on a controversial new 72 social housing development.

Last week, attempts to start the social housing project at Cherry Orchard Park were halted after residents blocked access to the site.

Shortly after the protest started, mothers on the housing list began what they said is “a vigil”, not 100 yards away, chanting ‘let them build.’

The High Court then granted a temporary injunction preventing interference with work on the new €15 million social housing project in Cherry Orchard.

Co-operative Housing Ireland Society Ltd, who are developing the 72 homes, obtained the order against a number of residents from the Stone Soup Project, who are part of a protest which allegedly prevented workers from commencing construction.

Speaking after the attack yesterday, local Sinn Fein Councillor Daithi Doolan said: “The attacks on workers at the construction site in Cherry Orchard are wrong.

“They should not have happened. Anyone with any information should contact the Gardaí in confidence. 

“This criminal behaviour will not stop the construction of essential social housing.

“Those involved should immediately stop and let the housing going ahead.”

Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Gardai immediately.