Gardaí 'satisfied' with level of cooperation on Waterford Birchwood investigation

Gardaí have visited just under 620 houses in the Birchwood area over the course of the investigation launched into the fatal house fire in the Birchwood area of Waterford city last month, which killed five members of the English family, Chief Superintendent Pettit said at the recent Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership (WLCSP) public meeting.

Gardaí have spoken with "a lot of people", Chief Superintendent Pettit said, and visited around 618 homes in the area.

Many people speaking to the Gardaí have spoken confidentially, he added, which he thanked the community for.

"I don't want to say too much about what's gone on in those houses and what's been provided, but we're certainly satisfied with the level of, I suppose, cooperation we've received out there from everybody."

The Chief Superintendent's comments were made in response to a question raised by a member of the public at the meeting, who called for continued community support and engagement with residents for the next six to 12 months.

They said the "intimidation, fear and total lack of safety" that people in the community are facing in the aftermath of the tragedy is "horrific", and while they appreciate the Gardaí's efforts, they insisted resources must be placed consistently for the next six to 12 months, for community workers to build stronger relationships with the residents.

In response to their plea, Chief Superintendent Pettit said Gardaí are "making and undertaking" actions to ensure that the supports provided will continue.

Alongside the "excellent" support offered at the Butler Community Centre in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy and the community Gardaí in the area, other community members and groups have also offered support, he said, adding, "I feel that's where they gain the strength to stand up against these people and potentially come forward to us."

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