THE MAN arrested in connection with a fatal Irish house fire 30 years ago has been released without charge.
The fatal house fire happened at a house on Church Lane, in Kilcock Co Kildare on September 20, 1987 and killed Barbara Doyle, 20, and her nieces eight year old Mary Ellen Byrne and three year old Kerrie Byrne.
Barbara Doyle died in the fire. (Picture: An Garda Síochána)The man in his 50s was arrested in north Co. Dublin on Tuesday afternoon, September 26, and was questioned at Leixlip Garda Station in Kildare.
In a statement, a spokesman for An Garda Síochána said the man had been released without charge on Wednesday evening, September 27.
The spokesman also said a file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The investigation into the fatal 1987 fire was upgraded to a murder investigation last week after new evidence led gardaí to believe the fire was started deliberately.
The investigation into the fatal 1987 fire was upgraded to a murder investigation last week after new evidence led gardaí to believe the fire was started deliberately.
The children’s parents Aidan, who has since passed away, and Elizabeth went to a 21st party that night in the locality while Elizabeth’s sister Barbara babysat her two nieces.
Between 3am and 4am that Sunday morning a fire was reported at the house.
The remains of Barbara, Mary Ellen Byrne and Kerrie were discovered at the scene.
