'We need to be on high alert' about threats to burn down Columb Barracks - Smyth

“We need to be on high alert” following serious threats on social media to burn down Columb Barracks, Mullingar, Cllr Hazel Smyth warned the Municipal District Council last Monday.

The Green Party councillor said there had been some extreme social media posts about setting fire to the Barracks which is being used as a refugee centre.

“This is seriously worrying considering its heritage and the risk to people”, Cllr Smyth said. In light of recent events in Ringsend and other parts of the country, we need to safeguard the people and the site, she urged.

“This is the first I heard of it”, responded former soldier Cllr Michael Dollard who said the council must write to the Gardai and Department of Defence immediately.

He was assured that the Gardai had been notified and the relevant departments would be contacted.