Dublin fire brigade attended a large fire at the Al-Madinah Prayer Hall on Talbot Street this afternoon. 

Four fire engines carrying over 20 emergency responders were dispatched to the scene, a spokesperson for Dublin Fire Brigade said.

The fire broke out after 3pm on Talbot Street, which then closed between Marlborough Street and Gardiner Street for roughly three hours as emergency services remain at the scene.

“Smoke was reported to be issuing from the building, and a full evacuation of the premises took place. Firefighting operations are ongoing,” the fire brigade said this afternoon.

In a statement this evening, gardaí said they were investigating an “incident of criminal damage by fire” at the Talbot Street prayer hall.