A man accused of petrol-bombing a house, causing almost €50,000 worth of damage, has been released on bail with strict conditions by Tallaght District Court. 

Alex Irwin, 21, with an address at Allenton Drive, Tallaght, is accused of arson resulting in damage to furnishings, carpets, a fireplace, walls, ceilings and electronic equipment at an address at Allenton Park on 24^th March 2011. Irwin is also accused of stealing a recycling wheelie bin from the same address on the above date. The occupant of the house, who lives on his own and was in bed at the time of the incident, was forced to flee the house and contact the fire brigade and the Gardai.

Garda Brendan Mynes told Judge Cormac Dunne that he arrested the accused on 5^th July and Irwin made no reply when charged.  Garda Mynes made no objection to bail with conditions. The DPP directed trial on indictment.

Remanding the case to a date at the end of September for service of the book of evidence, Judge Dunne released Irwin on bail of €500 and on condition that he sign on daily at Tallaght Garda Station.  Irwin was directed to stay away from Allenton Park and to observe a curfew at his home from midnight to 8am each day.  Irwin was also ordered to have no contact directly or indirectly with the injured party.