Ireland Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Sunday said there was "no justification for violence" after a suspected criminal fire at a hotel set to host asylum seekers.
The blaze at the Ross Lake House hotel in Galway, West Ireland, broke out last night in what police described as a "criminal damage incident".
No one was staying at the hotel at the time of the fire. There was no official account on the level of damage.
"I am deeply concerned about recent reports of suspected criminal damage at a number of properties around the country which have been earmarked for accommodating those seeking international protection here, including in County Galway last night," Varadkar said in a press release.
"There is no justification for violence, arson or vandalism in our Republic. Ever," he added.
The hotel was due to host 70 asylum seekers.
Riots broke out in Dublin last month, highlighting growing social tensions in Ireland, with political leaders and others blaming far-right agitators for stoking unrest over increased immigration in recent years.
The simmering situation erupted into violence when a mob of an estimated 500 people rampaged through central Dublin after three children were hospitalised following a knife attack outside a school.
"Like much of the world we are dealing with a major step-change in the numbers arriving here, seeking protection. This is driven by war, poverty, climate change and human rights abuses in their home countries," said Varadkar.