Residents of the Slí na Sruthán estate in Knocknacarra are left shaken and concerned following an alleged arson attack on a car parked outside a house in the early hours of Tuesday, June 20.
The fire was first noticed by neighbours who alerted emergency services, but residents, using household extinguishers put out the fire before it spread to the surrounding houses and gardens.
One neighbour who wished to remain anonymous described the incident as a ‘petrol bombing’ and detailed terrifying event which saw neighbouring occupants rushing from their homes at approximately 01:00 to work together to combat the ongoing blaze.
“It was the neighbours who put out that fire with their own extinguishers,” one said, adding, “If they hadn’t manage to put it out, who knows what would have happened.”
Residents are understandably shaken following the alleged incident and are fearful that the occurrence may not be a once-off, and may lead to further episodes of criminal damage or violence.
“I am concerned about my family and what could happen in the future.”
A spokesperson for the Gardaí has said that the investigations are ongoing.
“Gardaí are investigating an alleged incident of criminal damage by fire which occurred in the Knocknacarra area of Galway city in the early hours of this morning 20th June 2023.
“There were no reports of injuries. Investigations are ongoing.”
The Slí na Sruthán estate, located on the Clybaun Road is a quiet, calm estate where such events are practically unheard of.
Galway City Councillor, Donal Lyons, was contacted by residents of Slí na Sruthán following the alleged criminal damage, saying that this was an unprecedented incident in a ‘family-oriented estate’.
“Slí na Sruthán is a family-oriented estate and something like this has never happened before. Local residents are very concerned and hope that this is the end of anything else of that nature. The Gardaí are investigating and the culprit will be brought to justice.
“This was a very serious incident, and it is very fortunate that no one was injured. I am urging anyone who may have CCTV footage of the incidence to come forward and submit the information to Gardaí to help apprehend the person responsible.”
