A man accused in connection with a fire which caused more than €500,000 of damage to premises and an apartment block in Letterkenny has said the fire was the idea of his friend.
Paul McGinley appeared at Letterkenny District Court to face fresh charges surrounding the blaze at a carpark at Rosemount Lane on September 29th last.
A number of young families had to be evacuated form their homes during the blaze while a number of businesses inlcuding Watson’s Menswear and O’Heir’s Bakery were damaged.
McGinley, aged 30, of Glen Hola, Gortahork, was arrested along with his co-accused Owen McFadden hours after the incident.
However, Mr McFadden, of Cavanconor, Falcarragh, has tragically died since the blaze.
Some of the cars damaged by the fire.
Garda Sergeant Elaine Gordon told the court that when arrested in connection with further charges, McGinley replied “My co accused is dead now. It was mainly his idea I went along with it.”
Garda Inspector Michael Harrison told the court that they were consenting to a number of charges against McGinley being struck out.
However, he said that two new charges are now proceeding to the Circuit Court.
A full book of evidence is to be made ready in the case and will be brought before the court this Monday.