LAST UPDATE | 18 Nov 2025

TWO MORE ARRESTS have been made as part of the ongoing investigation into an arson attack on an Ipas accommodation centre in Drogheda on Halloween night.

A man in his 20s was arrested in west Dublin yesterday, while a second man in his 40s was arrested in the Drogheda area this morning.

It brings the total number of arrests in the case to four.

The man in his 20s has been charged and is due to appear before Drogheda District Court.

The man in his 40s remains in Garda custody.

Previous arrests

Two men arrested earlier this month have already been charged and appeared before a special sitting of Drogheda District Court earlier this month.

At that hearing, 24-year-old Josh Devlin of Dun Eimear, Bettystown was charged with arson at the residential centre.

22-year-old Jonathan Judge of Irish Street, Ardee was charged with arson with intent to endanger life.

Arson investigation

The fire, which broke out shortly after 8pm on 31 October, led to a major emergency response.

Firefighters rescued five people from the top floor, including a woman and her two young children.

The family’s 10-day-old baby was taken to hospital for treatment.

A total of 28 residents have been unable to return to the centre due to the extensive damage.

Many were out marking Halloween at the time of the blaze, and are now staying in alternative accommodation arranged by state agencies.

Gardaí are still appealing for information from anyone who was in the George’s Street area between 7.30pm and 8.20pm on 31 October, or from anyone with footage or relevant details.

“Investigations are ongoing,” a garda spokesperson said.