Businessman Peter Casey has blasted ‘sick individuals’ who set fire to his planned Ukrainian refugee centre in Buncrana during the week.
Gardaí confirmed they are investigating the blaze at a business premises in Ludden.
Emergency services were alerted late on Thursday night to a fire at the building.
“So last night, my ‘not for profit’ center (sic) for Ukrainian refugees in Buncrana was broken into and severely damaged by fire,” Mr Casey posted on Twitter.
“The sick individuals who did this do not represent the good people of Donegal. More determined than ever to open even more centers to help Ukrainians.”
He added a short-time later: “I will repair/rebuild the ‘not for profit’ Ukrainians center in Buncrana that thugs damaged by setting on fire last night and I will make it the best Ukrainian refugee center in Ireland.”
Peter Casey
Gardaí confirmed they are investigating the matter and that no persons were in the premises at the time.
“As with all criminal investigations, the motive behind the incident will form part of the investigation,” a garda spokesperson said.
The Derry businessman announced last month he was planning to convert it into an apartment complex for Ukrainian refugees. He made the comment after locals objected to initial plans to build a three-story apartment block on the site.
He said the new development would house up to 50 refugees.
This is not the first time a Donegal premises earmarked for people fleeing other countries was attacked.
In November, 2018, the Caiseal Mara Hotel in Moville was badly damaged in an arson attack prior to the arrival of asylum seekers.
