Fears of job losses after fire are lifted

FEARS that more than 100 jobs were under threat following a major fire at an industrial estate in Wexford on Wednesday night have lifted after an initial assessment of the damage.

Nine units of the fire brigade fought the blaze which broke out at around 8.40pm at the Wexford Enterprise Centre on the outskirts of Wexford town.

It took fire crews from Wexford, Enniscorthy, New Ross, Waterford and Bunclody over five hours to bring the blaze under control. The centre is part of the Kerlogue Industrial Estate at Drinagh.

One fireman received minor injuries after part of the roof of one of the buildings collapsed on him.

Fire brigade leaders were concerned that the blaze could have spread to a nearby recycling plant where large quantities of highly flammable material were stored.

An initial examination of the scene of the fire yesterday morning suggested around six units at the complex had suffered smoke damage.

The Wexford Enterprise Centre is home to around 20 small to medium-sized enterprises which provide employment to almost 300 people.

Around 100 people were unable to report for work as they were prevented from entering their offices by safety personnel.

It is believed that two units suffered extensive damage and will not be usable for a considerable period. However, staff at the Wexford Enterprise Centre have arranged temporary accommodation for most of the affected companies in an adjoining building for the immediate future.

The availability of such facilities has removed concern that the fire could have resulted in a number of job losses.

Fire crews remained at the scene yesterday to assess the safety of the buildings after the fire which is believed to have started in the laundry section of the complex.

A preliminary survey of the site did not suggest the fire had been started deliberately.

However, technical experts were waiting for a full examination of the scene before commenting on the incident.

The president of the Wexford Chamber of Commerce, Eamonn Murphy, described the incident as “heart-rending”.

“Large amounts of money have been spent on the centre over the past two years to make it one of the biggest and most technically-advanced business centres of its type in the country,” said Mr Murphy. “Fortunately, it appears the fire will be just a temporary setback rather than a fatal blow. While it seems there will be some disruption, it is unlikely to result in any lay-offs.”