Firecrackers may have started hotel blaze

TEENAGERS setting off firecrackers to celebrate Leaving Cert results may have burned down a hotel in Rosslare, causing €4 million worth of damage.

Garda forensic experts searched through the remains of Tuskar House Hotel in Rosslare Harbour yesterday. Sergeant Michael Clarke said they were investigating the theory that a firecracker may have led to the blaze.

However, they have not ruled out the possibility of an electrical fault, which may have set the hotel ablaze around 11.30pm on Wednesday night.

The fire engulfed the hotel within minutes as it swept through the roof, spreading rapidly, although two units of Wexford Fire Brigade were on the scene within minutes.

The blaze was spotted by owner Billy Roche. Fifty-five guests were alerted and evacuated from the hotel.

Yesterday, Mr Roche said a life’s work had gone up in smoke, adding that he felt sorry for the staff, customers and those who had booked into the hotel.

Fire officer David Kennedy said when they arrived at the scene the fire was moving rapidly through the building. They had very little opportunity to stop it, but succeeded in preventing it gutting the building.

The fire services remained at the scene until 1pm yesterday to ensure that there was no danger of a fresh outbreak.

The 30-bedroom hotel was built in 1969 and is one of the oldest in the port. All 80 of its employees will now lose their jobs.

For one bride-to-be, the blaze was a personal nightmare.

Siobhan Stafford could only look on in horror at lunchtime yesterday as she arrived at the smouldering remains of the hotel.

She was to have her wedding reception there after marrying Gavin Deering tomorrow afternoon. The gathering of about 120 had been planned for over a year.

The long-time sweethearts are both in their very early 30s and hail from the Bannow area in Wexford.

“It’s unimaginable. You can only imagine what it’s like for something like this to happen. We’re getting married on Saturday,” said Siobhan.

Alternative accommodation for the hotel’s guests has been found, and those who have booked functions can phone [phone].