Fire breaks out at site of vacant hotel in Waterford

The Ard Rí Hotel overlooks Waterford's quays

The hotel has been vacant for several years. File Picture

Emergency services are responding to reports of a large fire at a vacant landmark hotel in Waterford. 

The alarm was raised in the last hour after smoke was seen billowing from the former Ard Rí Hotel, overlooking the city's quays. 

The cause of the blaze is not known and there are no reports of any injuries. 

The hotel has been vacant for several years. 

A dispute over its proposed purchase was the subject of High Court proceedings earlier this year.