Minister of State Joe McHugh TD said he is shocked and disgusted by the fire at the Orange Hall in Convoy.
Deputy McHugh has visited the scene of the suspected arson attack – the second in just three weeks following another attack on an Orange Hall in Newtowncunningham.
The Minister said he has now contacted Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charlie Flanagan, about the matters.
“As soon as I was informed of what happened, I came to the site to see firsthand the damage that was done and to meet with community members and those involved with the Hall, to share in their grief and offer my sympathies and support.
“I have spoken with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charlie Flanagan and the Taoiseach has been informed of what has happened in Convoy.
“I have also met with members of the Presbyterian Church in Convoy and having spoken with members of the Gardai, I understand they are making enquiries into a number of attempted attacks on the Church, which also took place in the early hours of this morning,” he said.
He described the latest incident as worrying and stressed that such behaviour will not be accepted.
“It is very worrying that this has happened so recently to the arson attack on the Orange Hall at Newtowncunningham and I want to make clear that this sort of vicious behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. A Gardai investigation has already begun and they will have the full support of the community, the local authority and the Government.
“The community here in Convoy have very good relations with their neighbouring communities and we need to ensure that these acts of vandalism carried out by a few does not disrupt or strain the very important relationships which have been built up over many years.”
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