14/10/2026
Murder Investigation Launched After Fatal Arson Attack In Waterford City
An Garda Síochána has opened a murder inquiry following a suspected arson attack and fatal house fire at a home on Birch Avenue, Birchwood, Waterford City, in the early hours of Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
Emergency services, including Waterford Fire Service, the National Ambulance Service and Gardaí, attended the scene shortly after 5am.
A man, a woman and two of their children died in the fire.
Two other children are being treated for critical injuries at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Crumlin.
Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit said the thoughts of Garda members and the wider community are with the bereaved family at this time.
The property has been sealed off as a crime scene and is undergoing a technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.
The Waterford Coroner’s office and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified.
The remains have been removed from the scene, and post-mortem examinations will be carried out at University Hospital Waterford by Prof Linda Mulligan, Chief State Pathologist, and Dr SallyAnne Collis, State Pathologist.
The investigation is being directed from an incident room at Waterford Garda Station under a Senior Investigating Officer.
Detectives from the Serious Crime Unit at Waterford Garda Station are leading the inquiry, supported by divisional resources, the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) and other units as required.
Family Liaison Officers have been appointed to support the relatives of the deceased.
Gardaí believe the house was attacked by person or persons unknown and that the fire was deliberately set.
Investigators are appealing to anyone with information about this multiple murder and arson attack to come forward.
They particularly wish to speak to anyone who was in the Birch Avenue, Birchwood area between 4.30am and 5.30am on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
Motorists who travelled through Birchwood or on adjoining roads at that time and who may have dashcam footage or images are asked to provide it to investigating Gardaí.
The incident room can be contacted at Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, via the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or at any Garda station.
Emergency services, including Waterford Fire Service, the National Ambulance Service and Gardaí, attended the scene shortly after 5am.
A man, a woman and two of their children died in the fire.
Two other children are being treated for critical injuries at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) Crumlin.
Chief Superintendent Anthony Pettit said the thoughts of Garda members and the wider community are with the bereaved family at this time.
The property has been sealed off as a crime scene and is undergoing a technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.
The Waterford Coroner’s office and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified.
The remains have been removed from the scene, and post-mortem examinations will be carried out at University Hospital Waterford by Prof Linda Mulligan, Chief State Pathologist, and Dr SallyAnne Collis, State Pathologist.
Detectives from the Serious Crime Unit at Waterford Garda Station are leading the inquiry, supported by divisional resources, the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) and other units as required.
Family Liaison Officers have been appointed to support the relatives of the deceased.
Gardaí believe the house was attacked by person or persons unknown and that the fire was deliberately set.
Investigators are appealing to anyone with information about this multiple murder and arson attack to come forward.
They particularly wish to speak to anyone who was in the Birch Avenue, Birchwood area between 4.30am and 5.30am on Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
Motorists who travelled through Birchwood or on adjoining roads at that time and who may have dashcam footage or images are asked to provide it to investigating Gardaí.
The incident room can be contacted at Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, via the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or at any Garda station.
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14 October 2026
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14 October 2026
Murder Investigation Launched After Fatal Arson Attack In Waterford City
An Garda Síochána has opened a murder inquiry following a suspected arson attack and fatal house fire at a home on Birch Avenue, Birchwood, Waterford City, in the early hours of Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Emergency services, including Waterford Fire Service, the National Ambulance Service and Gardaí, attended the scene shortly after 5am.
Murder Investigation Launched After Fatal Arson Attack In Waterford City
An Garda Síochána has opened a murder inquiry following a suspected arson attack and fatal house fire at a home on Birch Avenue, Birchwood, Waterford City, in the early hours of Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Emergency services, including Waterford Fire Service, the National Ambulance Service and Gardaí, attended the scene shortly after 5am.
14 October 2026
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12 October 2026
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12 October 2026
Minister James Browne Kicks Off Fire Safety Week 2026
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12 October 2026
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12 October 2026
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09 October 2026
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09 October 2026
Renewables Supplied 43% Of Ireland's Electricity In September As Wind Surged
According to EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland's electricity grid, renewable sources accounted for 43% of electricity in September. This marked a significant increase on August's 29% share. Wind was the dominant contributor, providing 36% of all electricity used last month. Total wind generation reached 1,015 GWh.
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According to EirGrid, the operator and developer of Ireland's electricity grid, renewable sources accounted for 43% of electricity in September. This marked a significant increase on August's 29% share. Wind was the dominant contributor, providing 36% of all electricity used last month. Total wind generation reached 1,015 GWh.
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Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy in the evening with rain spreading into the west and becoming heavy at times. Rain continues eastwards overnight to cover all areas. Strong winds through the evening, easing overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.