A USED-CAR dealer believes he is being “specifically targeted” following yet another arson attack on his Graiguecullen premises at the weekend, which left six vehicles completely burnt-out. It is believed the six cars were deliberately set on fire at Joe Brennan Car Sales, Killeshin Road, Graiguecullen on Sunday evening, the second such incident at the premises in recent months.
“You don’t get insurance paid out if the fire is maliciously set so I don’t know what’s going to happen,” admitted Mr Brennan, who accepted that this latest incident may even threaten the future of his 35-year-old business, located in Graiguecullen since 1990.
“Even though I pay insurance of €7,000 a year, I just don’t know … it will be tough keeping the business going without it,” he added.
Mr Brennan told The Nationalist that last November a car was also set on fire at his premises and agreed that it now looked like he was being “specifically targeted”.
The burnt-out cars at Joe Brennan’s premises in Graiguecullen
Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
“I don’t like it but there are so many things to be upset about in life. I don’t know where I’d put this … it’s been tough,” he admitted.
Carlow Fire Service was alerted to the fire at Joe Brennan Car Sales at 6.30pm on Sunday and at the scene discovered six cars on fire among a yard of approximately 20 vehicles.
“The vehicles were completely destroyed,” stated acting chief fire officer Alan O’Neill. He also said that they were registered from 00 to 06 and included a Fiat Punto, two Citroen C5s, an Alfa Romeo, a Peugeot 405 and a Mitsubishi Charisma.
Mr O’Neill stated that car fires bring their own set of challenges, with the threat of tyre explosions and flying glass. However, in this case, the fires were put out quickly.
Despite the huge financial loss, it was business as usual yesterday (Monday) at Joe Brennan Car Sales, which employs two people.
“We’re open here as normal. We’re talking about CCTV now but that costs a lot of money. There’s money wanted every day for something,” Mr Brennan lamented.
The scene was preserved and technically examined by Carlow gardaí on Sunday evening, who confirmed to The Nationalist that they are “fully investigating the matter”.
The gardaí are anxious to speak to people who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area of the car sales premises on Sunday evening. They can be contacted on 059 9136620.
