President Higgins pays his respects to the 9 people who died in the Carrickmines fire

President Michael D. Higgins has expressed his sorrow at the passing of nine members of the travelling community who died in a house fire in the early hours of this morning.

A six month old baby is among the deceased, along her four brothers and both of her parents. The fire broke out at around 4am this morning in Carrickmines, and although six units of the Dublin Fire Brigade battled the blaze, it was too late to save the family.

President Michael D. Higgins said this morning, “I am shocked and saddened to learn of the death of up to eight people and the injury to several others in Carrickmines earlier today. This is a most dreadful tragedy.

"My thoughts at this time are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and those who have been injured. I have asked to be kept informed on this shocking event throughout the day”.

Four more people, two adults and two children, are in hospital this afternoon suffering from smoke inhalation. They are also related to the deceased family.