Arson probe following fire at vacant pub premises

Gardaí at Laytown are investigating a suspected arson attack on a vacant public house in Bettystown which occurred in the early hours of yesterday morning.

At around 3am, a lone male was observed in the vicinity of the front door of The Last Straw pub at the Square in Bettystown. He was observed running from the scene and a few moments later a large fire developed on the premises. Gardaí and the Fire Brigade were called to the scene and the fire was brought under control. The premises has been vacant for some time and boarded up, however considerable damage was caused to the building.

Any witnesses or anybody with information that could assist investigating Gardaí iis asked to contact Laytown Garda Station on (041) 9813320 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800-666-111.

Local councillor Sharon Tolan  has called for an increased garda presence in the village in the wake of the recent rise in anti-social behaviour in the area. She said: 'It is a shocking incident if it is arson. Certainly we have had a spate of antisocial behaviour out here recently. We would like to see more gardai on patrol. We have made have made representations looking for more gardai on patrol to try nip this in the bud.'

She added that a sale agreed sign had recently gone up on the property, which was vacant for a long time,  and she hoped what happened wouldn't affect the sale. 'The premises is in the centre of the village and we would like to see it cleaned up. It is the first impression people get when they come to the village.'