Hundreds of pupils from schools in the Co Galway town of Claregalway were evacuated on Thursday afternoon as emergency services dealt with the aftermath of a fire at an industrial park in the area.
Galway Fire and Rescue Service assisted by An Garda Síochána attended the incident which was reported to have affected the Xerotech facility in the park.
The company make batteries to power machinery in industry and mines.
Though the blaze, which had occurred on Wednesday, is said to have been successfully contained, there were subsequent concerns about industrial gasses and the public were warned to avoid the area.
In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, Galway County Council said a decision had been taken to carry out a “partial evacuation” of the business park as a “precautionary measure”.
Parents of pupils at Claregalway Educate Together National School and Coláiste Bhaile Chláir secondary school were instructed not to go to the schools to collect their children.
The primary school students were evacuated to Claregalway GAA Club at Knockdoemore, while the older students were brought to the church in Claregalway.
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