Vandals torch HSE building in Kilkenny city, doors and windows destroyed in blaze

By COLIN BARTLEY

FIREFIGHTERS rushed to a State-owned building in Kilkenny city to save it from ruin after vandals set it ablaze in the early hours of this morning.

It was the fourth attack on the Health Service Executive building known as HSE House at Wetlands in recent months.

The latest attack occurred just after midnight. After breaking some windows, vandals tried to torch the building by setting fire to two rear doors of the building. An accelerant was also used in the attack.

The fire was discovered by a security firm on their nightly rounds.

Kilkenny Fire Brigade rushed to the scene and managed to extinguish the blaze before it spread into the building. However, two doors and frames were totally destroyed in the fire.

A Garda forensics unit was called to the scene.

HSE House has been undergoing extensive renovations recently. These upgrades have become the focus for serious anti-social behavior.

The HSE has had to install new windows on three separate occasions in recent months after they were smashed by vandals.

A Garda spokesperson told KilkennyNow.ie: “An incident did occur at the HSE building in the Wetlands and an investigation is ongoing.”

Eyewitnesses of anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area at the time is asked to contact Kilkenny Garda Station on 056 777 5000.