Man Arrested After Suspected Arson at Dublin Muslim Prayer Hall; Gardaí Appeal for Witnesses
Dublin: Gardaí have arrested a man in connection with a fire at the Faizan-e-Madinah Muslim prayer hall on Talbot Street in Dublin city centre. The incident is being investigated as suspected arson, although authorities have not established whether the fire was motivated by religious or racial hatred.
The fire broke out at approximately 3.40pm on Monday, prompting a major emergency response. Dublin Fire Brigade deployed four fire engines, a turntable ladder and more than 20 firefighter-paramedics to the scene. Fire crews arrived within minutes of receiving the emergency call and worked to bring the blaze under control.
Buildings Evacuated, No Injuries Reported
As a precaution, Gardaí established a security cordon around Talbot Street and Marlborough Street, while nearby offices and buildings were temporarily evacuated. The Department of Education offices on Marlborough Street were also cleared during the incident.
Public transport services in the area experienced temporary disruption, while ESB Networks, Gardaí and Dublin Fire Brigade coordinated safety operations to secure the area and protect nearby infrastructure.
No injuries were reported.
Investigation Underway
The prayer hall had been operating as a place of worship for members of Dublin’s Muslim community.
Gardaí have not released details regarding the cause of the fire or confirmed any possible motive. Investigators are also examining all circumstances surrounding the incident as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Authorities have not commented on planning or regulatory matters relating to the premises, and no official information has been released regarding the building’s planning status or fire safety compliance.
The Irish Muslim Council strongly condemned the attack, stating that every individual has the right to practise their religion freely and safely.
The organisation called for a full investigation and urged Gardaí to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Garda Appeal for Information
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the Talbot Street area between 3pm and 4pm on Monday, 29 June, and who witnessed the incident or has video footage—including dashcam recordings—to come forward.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Irish Samachar English