Longford recycling plant blaze puts jobs in jeopardy

Up to 20 jobs are under threat after a fire gutted a recycling plant in north Co Longford.

Firefighters from local towns have battled the blaze in Mulleadys Waste Recycling in Drumlish since early morning.

Garda forensic officers were today examining the scene and assessing whether or not the fire was accidental. Last January another fire broke out on the premises and staff had to be laid off for several months.

Owner Anthony Mulleady said local waste collection operations would not be affected by the fire.

Waste sorting equipment was totally destroyed in the blaze.

Management will meet with staff later today to discuss employment at the plant.

Mr Mulleady said: “There is very extensive damage done.”

He said he believed it was unusual if the fire had started outside because of recent heavy rainfall.

He added: “It’s a very stressful situation coming up to Christmas.”

A local fire officer said it was too early to establish how the fire started.

“Once it took hold, it spread rapidly because of the material involved,” he explained. At this stage it appears it could have started outside because the vehicles adjacent to the building were burned.”

He said it was too early to say if the fire was suspicious.

“Garda Forensics are on their way to carry out an examination of the scene and will make an assessment of that.”