Waterford Fire Services have brought a major fire that broke out on Saturday evening (May 9th) in a commercial premises at the old Jute Factory in Tycor, Waterford city under control.

No casualties have been reported, the building has been extensively damaged, and fire service operations will continue at the site throughout the coming days.

Waterford City and County Council is advising that the streets within the immediate vicinity of the Jute Factory site – Morrisons’ Avenue, Griffith Place, and Tycor Avenue – remain closed. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area as operations continue.

Waterford City and County Council management team met with HSE Public Health unit this morning (May 10th), and public health advice remains:

· Avoid the immediate area

· If you smell smoke in your vicinity, close all doors and windows.

While the presence of an asbestos-bound cement roof on the building has not been confirmed, following a risk assessment, the Local Authority is proceeding on the basis that asbestos is present.  An analysis with an environmental consultant and a construction specialist is underway. As a precautionary measure, members of the public within the immediate vicinity of the site are advised to:

· Close windows and doors

· Do not touch/remove any debris

· Dampen down or lightly sprinkle surface dust particles with water

· Do not cut/mow grass

If you are experiencing health effects, please seek medical attention.

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