Garda investigation launched after Crooksling blaze

A GARDA investigation has been launched into the blaze at the former St Brigid’s Nursing Home in Crooksling on Sunday morning.

Seven units of Dublin Fire Brigade rushed to the scene at around 7am with up to 40 officers tackling the blaze throughout the day.

The control of the scene at Crooksling was transferred to Gardai on Sunday evening and a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed, based at Tallaght Garda Starion, to investigate all the circumstances of the fire.

“Throughout the day, An Garda Síochána assisted Dublin Fire Brigade in managing the extensive fire, with the fire brigade retaining primacy at the scene”, a garda statement said.

“Control of the scene was transferred to An Garda Síochána.

“Today, Monday, 5th February 2024, a formal examination of the building will be conducted by an expert engineer to assess its safety.

“Once feasible, a technical examination will be carried out by the DMR South Scenes of Crime unit, assisted by the Garda Technical Bureau. The results will guide the Garda investigation”.

An Garda Síochána appeals to anyone with information about the fire to contact Gardaí at Tallaght Garda Station on 01 6666000, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

As reported in The Echo over the past two weeks, there had been protests outside the former nursing home amid speculation that the building was to accommodate migrants.