Gardaí are investigating an arson attack at the Limerick Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre. A petrol bomb appears to have been used to start the fire while at least one person was inside.
The attack took place just before 1.30am on Thursday and, though the centre was occupied at the time, no injuries were reported as a result of the blaze.
“Gardaí received a report of an incident of criminal damage by fire that occurred at a premises in the Dooradoyle area, Co Limerick, on Thursday at approximately 1.30am,” Garda Headquarters said.
Gardaí also confirmed no injuries were reported and that investigations into the blaze were continuing.
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The alarm at the centre was quickly raised and members of the emergency services rushed to the scene. The blaze was brought under control by members of the Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service.
The scene was sealed off as a crime scene for forensic analysis as part of the Garda investigation.
The Catholic Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy described the attack as “worrying” and a “wake-up call” for all creeds in an increasingly dividing society.
“A central tenet of the Christian faith is to love your neighbour as yourself. None of us would want to be the subject of racial or other forms of hatred,” the bishop said.
Such attacks were “uncommon” locally, and “not supported by the vast majority of people in Limerick,” he added.
“No matter what our creed or religious belonging, we are all brothers and sisters, children of the one God.”
Former mayor of Limerick, Fine Gael councillor Daniel Butler also extended his “solidarity” with local muslims and described the mosque attack as a “deeply disturbing and reckless act of violence”.
Butler said “significant damage” was caused to the mosque, and that it “could have had catastrophic consequences”.
“A man inside the mosque at the time was fortunate to escape with his life”.
“I am deeply shocked by this attack on a place of worship in our city. This was an extremely dangerous act that could easily have led to a tragic loss of life,” said Butler.
“Limerick is a diverse and welcoming city. Acts of hatred or intimidation directed at any faith or community are utterly unacceptable.”
“Limerick is stronger when we reject hatred and choose solidarity, understanding, and mutual respect.”
