A fire at a building in Longford earmarked for refugee accommodation could have caused devastation in the town if not for the quick reaction of Longford Fire Service.
The Cathoirleach of Longford County Council has strongly condemned the setting of two fires at the former Convent building in Lanesboro on Tuesday night.
The property was due to welcome 85 women and children from Ukraine later this year, with the owner now withdrawing from the agreement following the fires.
The news was confirmed in a Longford County Council meeting yesterday evening.
Gardaí are currently examining CCTV in the town and appealing for anyone who witnesses anything suspicious to come forward.
Local Councillor and Cathoirleach of Longford County Council, Colm Murray, says the location of the building would see any major fire cause significant damage to the town.