Gardaí probe whether fire at disused primary school in Tipperary was caused by youths

An image of Wednesday night's fire. Picture: McCarthy's of Fethard/Facebook

Gardaí are investigating if the fire at a former primary school in Co Tipperary was caused by local youths who are known to have been drinking for some time in the abandoned building.

Fire crews from Cashel and Clonmel spent hours fighting the blaze, which broke out at the disused building in Fethard at approximately 9.20pm on Wednesday.

Significant damage was done to the building, which has not been in use for a number of years. No injuries were reported.

Investigators are aware of speculation circulating online as to other possible motives, but believe the most likely cause might be from local teenagers lighting a fire.

Sources say there is no indication that it was to be repurposed as accommodation for international protection applicants.

Gardaí said the blaze is being investigated as a "criminal damage by fire incident".

The scene has been preserved pending a technical examination by members of the Garda Technical Bureau later today.

"Investigations are ongoing," a garda spokesperson said.