Updated at 10.45am

GARDAÍ HAVE CONFIRMED the apartment where a woman and two young children died in a fire overnight in Clondalkin, west Dublin, was being used as temporary housing by a domestic violence agency.

Another two people – a woman in her 30s and a four-year-old boy – were injured in the blaze, which broke out in the early hours of the morning.

Gardaí and fire services attended the fire in Cluainin Cronan, Clondalkin at about 2.30am this morning.

Five injured people were taken from the scene.

A 27-year-old woman and two young girls taken to Tallaght Hospital were declared dead a short time later. The children were aged two and three.

The other woman and young boy aged four were taken to St James’ Hospital and Our Lady’s Hospital in Crumlin, respectively. Both are in a critical condition.

Source: Cliodhna Russell/TheJournal.ie

Inspector Ken McLoughlin of Clondalkin Garda Station described the fire as a “terrible tragedy”, telling reporters:

I would like to express our sincere sympathies to the families of those that are involved in this incident.

A full investigation had been launched, he said – noting that gardaí were keeping an “open mind” on the incident. “There will be a further briefing at a later stage.”

He said gardaí were unable to confirm the relationship between the woman and the two children who died. Gardaí were still working to confirm the nationalities of those involved, he said.

The two women and three children were all in the same apartment on the first floor, he said.

Several other people were evacuated from their homes. Two were taken to hospital for treatment to smoke inhalation.

There were four apartments in the block, and the entire block was evacuated.

The apartment where the fire broke out was being used as short-term accommodation, where women and children can stay for up to two years.

Local TD Eoin O Broin of Sinn Féin described it as a step-down facility for women and children who had come into contact with services and were seeking longer-term accommodation.

He said the estate was mixed-tenure and also included council and private houses. O Broin described the fire as “heartbreaking”. Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone also expressed their condolences.

Neighbours at the estate said they had been shocked by the news.

My thoughts and prayers with all affected by Clondalkin fire... — Katherine Zappone (@k_zappone) March 8, 2017 Source: Katherine Zappone /Twitter

Taoiseach begins speech at press conference by extending his sympathies to the mother and children who lost their lives in Clonalkin fire — Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) March 8, 2017 Source: Christina Finn /Twitter

A woman (27) and two girls, 2 and 3, lost their lives after a fire in this Clondalkin apartment early this morning pic.twitter.com/p0HGd1NysE — Cliódhna Russell (@CliodhnaRussell) March 8, 2017 Source: Cliódhna Russell /Twitter

Garda forensic teams are due on the scene this morning, and will liaise with Dublin Fire Brigade as they investigate what caused the blaze.

Cluain Cronin is a small estate off Kilcronan Avenue close to the Grange Castle Business Park and the Grand Canal.

Gardaí are appealing to witnesses to contact them at:

Clondalkin Garda Station 01 666 7600

The Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111

Or any garda station

- With reporting from Cliodhna Russell and Daragh Brophy