Security guard hospitalised and cars damaged in attack on Tipperary site set to house refugees

Gardaí are looking into an incident that occurred at 11.40pm on Heywood Road, on the outskirts of Clonmel, last night at a site earmarked for modular homes for Ukrainian refugees.

"Gardaí are investigating an incident of assault and criminal damage at a site in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary on Thursday 16th May 2024 where security personnel contracted to work on the site were assaulted by a number of individuals,” a garda spokesperson said.

One of the workers required hospital treatment, while a number of vehicles were also damaged during the incident.

No arrests have been made at this time, gardaí confirmed.

There are plans from the Department of Integration and the OPW to place 82 modular homes there to house Ukrainian refugees.

RTÉ News reported that both the OPW and the HSE are aware of the incident. The HSE currently own the land and are transferring it to the OPW.

The HSE said it is encouraging anyone who may have information surrounding the attack to assist with the garda investigation.

Gardaí said they are appealing for any person with any information on this incident to contact Clonmel garda station on 052 617 7640, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

Gardaí are also appealing for any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling near the Heywood road and Clonmel Rugby Club areas 10:45pm and 11:30pm are asked to make this footage available to gardaí.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 17th May 2024