A fire broke out at an Islamic prayer hall in the heart of Dublin city centre this afternoon, prompting a major emergency response that temporarily shut down Luas tram services and brought traffic restrictions to one of the capital’s busiest streets.
The blaze struck the Al-Madinah Prayer Hall on Talbot Street shortly after 3.40pm, with Dublin Fire Brigade receiving a wave of calls reporting smoke pouring from the building. Four fire engines carrying more than 20 firefighters were rushed to the scene, and everyone inside the premises was evacuated as crews moved in to tackle the fire.
“Smoke was reported to be issuing from the building, and a full evacuation of the premises took place. Firefighting operations are ongoing,” a Dublin Fire Brigade spokesperson confirmed.
Gardaí and ESB Networks both responded alongside the fire brigade, with a heavy emergency presence visible on Talbot Street throughout the afternoon. Green Line Luas services were suspended for a period as the operation unfolded before resuming with delays.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Dublin Fire Brigade said the cause “will be determined by gardaí following their investigation.”
