Men charged over Drogheda asylum-seeker centre fire refused bail, further charges likely

Two men arrested by gardaí investigating the fire at accommodation for asylum seekers in Co Louth on Halloween night have appeared in court.

Both men were brought before a special sitting of Drogheda District Court on Thursday night.

Josh Devlin (24), with an address at Dun Eimear, Bettystown, is charged with committing arson at the residential centre on George’s Street, Drogheda, on Friday, October 31st, 2025.

Jonathan Judge (22), of Irish Street, Ardee, is accused of committing arson with intent to endanger life at the centre at the same place and on the same date.

Solicitors for both accused requested that their clients be granted bail.

During a lengthy contested bail hearing, Sgt Laura Blanche told the court there were no conditions that could be set which would satisfy gardaí.

The sergeant also said it was likely that further charges would be preferred against the two accused.

After hearing an outline of the Garda evidence, Judge Nicola Andrews refused the bail requests and remanded both men in custody to appear by videolink before Drogheda District Court on Monday next.

Following a request from solicitor Mary Lavelle, Judge Andrews directed that Jonathan Judge be medically assessed on his admission to prison.

Investigations are ongoing into the fire at an International Protection Accommodation Services (Ipas) centre on Friday, during which a number of people had to be rescued from an upper floor.