Factory site set on fire 4 times in 8 months

A disused factory site earmarked for a supermarket and a restaurant has been set ablaze for the fourth time in almost eight months.

Firefighters and gardaí were called to the old Seafield Technical Textiles site in Youghal, Co Cork, on Monday night.

Local residents saw flames emanating at about 9pm from a former boiler room, about 20m from the main building.

Thick, black smoke was carried by the breeze towards adjacent houses, causing added concern that particles from the collapsing asbestos roof would infiltrate homes.

Locals have called for the buildings on the industrial site to be demolished in the interests of health and safety amid fears of further fires.

Fire officers remained at the scene for over two hours as stored materials continued to smoulder. Seafield Technical Textiles, adjacent to the Perks amusement arcade in the East Cork town, closed in 2005.

Last year Seafield Partnerships acquired planning permission for an Aldi shop and a McDonald’s restaurant on the 20-acre site. The proposal is under appeal to An Bord Pleanála.