Sarah Slater
Updated: 2.55pm
Gardaí have launched an investigation into a suspected arson attack on a former school in Co Tipperary.
Fire crews in Fethard spent several hours tackling a blaze at the old primary school on the Rocklow Road in the town which broke out at 9.20pm on Wednesday.
Three fire units from Cashel and Clonmel battled the fire until the early hours of Thursday morning, with gardaí remaining at the scene overnight.
No one was injured in the fire.
It is understood significant damage was caused to the building which has been vacant for a number of years.
In a statement, gardaí confirmed they are investigating the cause of the fire and are treating it as suspected “criminal damage”.
The scene has been preserved to allow for forensic investigators to examine the scene.
The statement said: "Gardaí are investigating suspected criminal damage by fire incident that occurred at approximately 9:20pm on Wednesday at an unoccupied building in Fethard, County Tipperary.
"The fire was extinguished by local fire services. The scene was preserved. Investigations are ongoing."
The incident in Tipperary follows fires at vacant properties in both Galway and Dublin last month.
On Decmber 16th, a blaze broke out at a hotel in Rosscahill, Co Galway, days before it was due to be used to accommodation international protection applicants.
On New Year's Eve, a pub in Ringsend in Dublin was also significantly damaged in a fire. It was rumoured the property had been earmarked for refugees, however, it was later confirmed the property had been set to house homeless families.
In relation to the Tipperary fire, gardaí said the force is "aware of possible misinformation, disinformation and rumour in relation to the use or proposed use of this derelict building".
A spokesperson for the Department of Integration added the department "had neither considered nor examined" the property in Fethard for use.
