Friday 30 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 16627Arson · Co. Kilkenny

Suspected arson at O'Neill Centre in Kilkenny city

Gardaí are investigating a suspected arson attack at the O'Neill Centre on St Joseph's Road in Kilkenny city, where a small fire broke out shortly before 3am on 16 July 2024. The fire was confined to an old room at the back of the building, which was empty at the time, and the local fire service extinguished it. The former school building was repurposed for Enable Ireland several years ago and is used for day services for children with additional needs. No arrest, suspect or charge has been reported, and the investigation is ongoing.

  1. Reported15 Jul
  2. Arrested
  3. Charged
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Gardaí are investigating a suspected arson attack at a building in Kilkenny city.
Where
  • A small fire broke out in an old room at the back of the O'Neill Centre in Kilkenny city.
  • The building is on St Joseph's Road in The Butts area of Kilkenny.
When
The fire broke out shortly before 3am on 16 July 2024.
Cause
It is believed the fire may have been started using an aerosol can that was set alight and placed or thrown near a wooden doorframe in the room.
Investigation
Gardaí are investigating the incident.
Charges
No arrest, suspect or charge has been reported.
Other details
  • There was nobody in the building at the time.
  • The fire was limited to that room, with some further smoke damage.
  • The local fire service was called and extinguished the fire, which had been smouldering for some time.
  • The building is a former school that was repurposed for use by Enable Ireland several years ago.
  • Enable Ireland uses the building for day services for children with additional needs.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatGardaí are investigating a suspected arson attack at a building in Kilkenny city. (rte.ie)
  • whereA small fire broke out in an old room at the back of the O'Neill Centre in Kilkenny city. (rte.ie)
  • whereThe building is on St Joseph's Road in The Butts area of Kilkenny. (rte.ie)
  • whenThe incident happened shortly before 3am. (rte.ie)
  • causeIt is believed the fire may have been started using an aerosol can set alight and placed or thrown near a wooden doorframe. (rte.ie)
  • investigationGardaí are investigating the incident. (rte.ie)
  • otherThere was nobody in the building at the time. (rte.ie)
  • otherThe fire was limited to that room, with some further smoke damage. (rte.ie)
  • otherThe local fire service was called and extinguished the fire. (rte.ie)
  • otherThe building is a former school building that was repurposed for Enable Ireland several years ago. (rte.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 15 Jul2024
    Reportedrte.ie, first report
    Suspected arson at Kilkenny site used by Enable Ireland

    Reports the suspected arson, the fire's limited extent, the believed cause (an aerosol can), and that the building is used by Enable Ireland. No suspect or arrest is mentioned.