TWO MEN ARRESTED by gardaí investigating the fire at an Ipas centre in Co Louth on Halloween night have appeared in court.

Both men were brought before a special sitting of Drogheda District Court last night. 

Twenty-four-year-old Josh Devlin, of Dun Eimear, Bettystown is charged with committing arson at the residential centre on George’s St Drogheda on 31 Oct 2025.

Twenty-two-year-old Jonathan Judge, of Irish St, Adree is accused of committing arson with intent to endanger life at the centre on George’s St Drogheda on 31 Oct 2025.

Solicitors for both accused requested that their clients be granted bail.

During a lengthy contested bail hearing, Sgt Laura Blanche told the court there were no conditions that could be set which would satisfy the gardaí.

The sergeant also said it was likely that further charges would be brought against the two accused.

After hearing an outline of the Garda evidence, Judge Nicola Andrews refused the bail requests and remanded both men in custody to appear by video link before Drogheda District Court on Monday next.

The judge granted both accused legal aid and following a request from solicitor Mary Lavelle, Judge Andrews directed that Jonathan Judge be medically assessed on his admission to prison.