A 17-YEAR-OLD boy accused of a series of arson attacks that gutted two south Dublin homes within two weeks, leaving them uninhabitable, has been further held in custody for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The youth, who cannot be identified because he is a juvenile, was arrested over an alleged crime spree from 24 January to 2 March this year.

He appeared again at the Dublin Children’s Court today, having been remanded in custody last month. A four-week adjournment was granted.

A decision still has to be made on whether his case will remain in the Children’s Court or be transferred to the Circuit Court, which can impose harsher sentences.

Additional charges could be brought, and gardaí have been urged to make progress, as the youth will turn 18 and become an adult later this year.

The youth faces nine charges connected to a string of offences at the Tullyvale development in Cabinteely, as well as residential areas in Shankill, Glenageary and Dún Laoghaire.

He is charged with arson of two houses in Glenageary, at Beeches Park, on 2 March and on 17 February at Ashlawn Park, to such an extent that both properties are “no longer habitable”.

According to his charges, the teenager is accused of targeting five cars on 24 January.

At East Courtyard, Tullyvale, he is alleged to have committed arson by setting fire to a Honda Fit, an Austin Cooper Saloon and a Volkswagen Golf. On the same date, he is accused of criminally damaging two other cars’ windows at Shanganagh Cliffs, Shankill.

Gardaí are also prosecuting him for a motor theft in Dún Laoghaire, also on 24 January.

He also faces a charge of unlawful use of a stolen vehicle on 4 February in Shankill.