The apartment building at centre of fatal fire was support housing for victims of domestic abuse

The President lead the tributes to the woman and two little girls who tragically died in a house fire overnight in Dublin.

Speaking at an event to mark International Women's day, Michael D Higgins said:

"I want to express my sympathy to all of those affected by the tragedy in Clondalkin. The women involved would have been represented here today. All of our hearts must go out to these women and children."

The blaze broke out in the first-floor apartment in Clondalkin overnight. Emergency services were called to the scene but sadly a 27-year old woman and two girls died. The little girls were aged just two and three years old. (Images via RTE)  Another woman in her 30's was taken to hospital and a four-year-old boy is in critical condition at Our Lady's Hospital in Crumlin. RTE reports that it was the little boy's mum and his sister who died in the fire. The cause of the fire is not yet known and Gardaí say they are keeping an open mind to what caused it. Domestic violence charity Sonas reportedly runs the supporting housing in the apartment block.