Fire breaks out in Donegal building used to house asylum seekers

Gardaí are investigating the cause of a fire in a building in Co Donegal, part of which is used to house asylum seekers.

The blaze happened overnight at the rear of a licensed premises on the main street in Buncrana.

The fire broke out at around 1am and emergency services rushed to the scene. All occupants of the building were safely evacuated.

However, a number had to be taken to Letterkenny University Hospital where they were treated for possible smoke inhalation.

Tánaiste says claim that over 80% of asylum seekers come from UK via Northern Ireland is not based on data

---

Britain’s relations with Ireland could get caught in crossfire of Sunak’s election battle

---

Spouses of those with employment permits and on intra-company transfers could be permitted to work

---

British prime minister Rishi Sunak ‘not interested’ in deal with Ireland to return asylum seekers to UK

---

Gardaí are at the scene of the fire and a technical examination is currently taking place.

They say the results of their investigation will determine the course of any other investigations.

“Preliminary indications are that the fire started and was confined within one room within the building,” a garda spokesperson said.

• Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
• Find The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
• Our In The News podcast is now published daily – Find the latest episode here