A businessman has been left counting the cost after another one of his premises was attacked for the second Christmas in succession.
John G Larkin’s restaurant and bar was targeted last year and extensively damaged on Christmas morning in 2015.
Larkins of Newmills, on the outskirts of Letterkenny, was extensively damaged during the arson attack.
Now another premises belonging to Mr Larkin has been attacked during a burglary.
The burglary and arson at the Snug 39 Bar in Letterkenny happened in the early hours of this morning.
A cash register in the bar was taken as well as a quantity of alcohol before the bar was set alight.
Extensive damage was caused to the building before Mr Larkin arrived to open up the premises for cleaners at 8am this morning.
The bar will need to be completely renovated but thankfully is not gutted as a result of the fire.
Mr Larkin confirmed it will reopen in three days time.
Garda Forensics officers spent the morning at the premises as part of their investigation.
Mr Larkin told Donegal Daily he is just thankful that nobody was hurt in the blaze.
“I couldn’t believe it when I arrived at the bar this morning.
“There is a considerable amount of damage but the main thing is that nobody was hurt,” he said.
Gardai have confirmed that a man has been arrested in connection with the incident and is being questioned at Letterkenny Garda station.
