Fire crews battle blaze at historic Longford Cathedral

An investigation is underway this morning into the cause of a fire at St Mel's Cathedral in Longford.

Fire services were called to St Mel's at 5am today.

The blaze, which started in the back of the Cathedral, soon began to spread into the main part of the building and swept throughout.

Several units of the fire bridgage from across county have been battling to salvage the early-1800s building, but hopes that this can be achieved are fading. Efforts are now underway to save the steeple.`

Christmas day Masses are being held at the nearby Temperance Hall and motorists are being advised that traffic diversions are in place.