The damage caused to the Grafton Court area of Longford Town following a devastating fire last month has been estimated at over 3 million euro.
The figure was revealed at a special sitting of Longford District Court this weekend, where a man in his 50s was charged with arson.
Guo Zhong Chen of 9 Belvedere Terrace, Mullingar was arrested on the 8th of August at his home.
The accused attempted to evade arrest by jumping from a 5 metre high balcony and fled in his underwear, with Gardaí apprehending him moments later.
He is charged with setting a fire at the site of a Japanese Restaurant operated by his ex-partner’s brother.
The fire spread from its initial ignition point beside Oyama Sushi restaurant to the roof of the building before travelling down the street causing severe damage.
13 businesses remain closed and Longford County Council has spent over €50,000 to secure the site over the last two weeks.
Mr Chen appeared before Judge Deirdre Geraghty on Friday evening where he was denied bail and remanded in custody.
Gardaí had stated their strong objections to any bail, citing their concerns that the accused was a flight risk and would leave the jurisdiction.
Guo Zhong Chen will appear in Mullingar District Court tomorrow via video link.
