A man in his 30s has been arrested by the Wexford Wicklow Serious Crime Unit in connection with a fire attack that damaged Blackwater garda station.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:50am on Tuesday 26 May 2026. The building was unoccupied at the time.
The man was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984, allowing for questioning for up to 24 hours. Gardaí said investigations are ongoing and carried out a number of searches in the area on Wednesday 27 May.
CCTV footage showed a man approaching the station and throwing a burning item into the building before leaving the scene on a bicycle. A petrol cap was later found at the scene.
The fire started in the main reception office, causing extensive damage. Smoke damage spread through the remainder of the building. The fire service responded rapidly, which helped prevent the rest of the station from being destroyed.
Garda sources have said that the suspect is a horse trainer. Detectives are currently investigating whether the man targeted the station due to a personal grudge, as he had been prosecuted for driving offences several times in the past.
Gardaí are working with the Office of Public Works to identify a site for a temporary base. Superintendent David O’Sullivan said a modular unit may be installed in the village in the coming days while repairs are carried out, and he hopes the building can be repaired within six months.
The closure delivers a further blow to Blackwater, which is also set to lose its post office on Friday 29 May 2026.
Supt O’Sullivan described Blackwater as “very safe” and the attack as “completely out of the ordinary.” He said the community is “devastated” by the attack and that the garda station “is central to daily life” as the only coastal station between Wexford Town and Courtown Harbour. It currently has one full-time garda and an experienced clerical officer serving the local community.
Wexford County Councillor Oliver Walsh said he was “surprised, and very sad to see something like this happening” but relieved no gardaí were in the building. He described the station as “an integral part of the village” and said he had been assured a temporary office would be set up.
Gardaí have issued a witness appeal asking anyone with information to come forward. Road users with dash-cam footage who were in Blackwater between 2:30am and 3:00am on 26 May 2026 are asked to contact Enniscorthy garda station at (053) 923 3534. The Garda Confidential Line is 1800 666 111.