Lanesboro convent fire followed meeting on plans

The fire that broke out in Lanesboro convent yesterday following a public meeting on plans to accommodate Ukrainian refugees was not the work of locals, a Lanesboro elected representative believes.

The fire began at the front door but was quickly brought under control, with little damage: “I was surprised it happened,” Fine Gael Councillor Gerard Farrell said, “I would guarantee you that whoever did that wasn't from Lanesboro or Ballyleague.”

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the fire, which was soon brought under control by fire services: “It's silly, silly stuff. Nobody wants to see this sort of behaviour. There is a local business attached to the convent and it could have been burned down if the fire had spread,” Cllr Farrell said.

The Lanesbor LEA member condemned the incident: “There is a lot of social and economic development in Lanesboro at present. Lough Ree distillery is just across the road. We have a great tourism product and the last thing we want is the name of our town tarnished by people agitating for their own agenda.”

Cllr Farrell told the Leader a meeting took place yesterday with local representatives, local authority staff, and the owner of the premises: “The rumour mill started before anyone had any facts. There are people with genuine concerns. The building is to the back of St Mary's Primary School and people need reassurance about who will be located in it.

“I've had a lot of contact from people. Most of the concerns were quelled when we had a sit-down with the owner of the premises. There are plans to accommodate 85 Ukrainian nationals, mostly women and children, but some men.”

The Fine Gael councillor said there is sympathy for the plight of those to be housed: “The Ukraine has been devastated. You have to feel for people who have lost everything. Lanesboro is a wholesome community, we know we have to do our bit. Concerns have been voiced about the facilities and infrastructure for an additional 85 people, that is something that must be addressed."

Cllr Farrell said the social unrest surrounding the accommodation of asylum seekers is also a cause for concern: “It's all over the country. We see what went on in Roscrea. There appears to be a lot of hatred in some Irish people these days. Social media, while having many positive facets, is also a scourge. There will always be a minority looking to cause trouble.”