The suspected arson attack carried out on the Shannon Key West Hotel in Rooskey last night (Thursday, January 10) must be condemned, according to independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice.
Commenting on the matter, the Roscommon-Galway TD said: “It was very disappointing to see video footage and photos from the scene emerge on social media last night after the fire was detected.
“The community of Rooskey has completely condemned the alleged attack on the premises, which was due to reopen as a hotel and as potential accommodation for asylum seekers.
“Genuine concerns had been highlighted in recent weeks that the area itself and the hotel would not be suitable for those vulnerable people due to a lack of primary services. But one thing needs to be made very clear, the community of Rooskey would never condone last night’s suspected actions.”
The fire is also a sickening development for the group of investors who were expected to take over the hotel in the near future, Deputy Fitzmaurice added.
“It was hoped that the hotel would reopen once again and provide much-needed employment in an area which has seen a number of factories close down through the years.
“The community and public representatives in the area had pointed out their desire to increase tourism to the area, and the reopening of the hotel would have been a step in the right direction in that regard.
“The people who were willing to invest money in the project must also be acknowledged for their positive thinking. Hopefully the investors will continue to push ahead with their plans to open the hotel once again.
“One thing is for sure, the actions of whoever carried out last night’s suspected arson attack serves nobody and must be condemned,” he concluded.