Workers at the Refond textile plant in Cork are to be made redundant after a fire at the factory yesterday.
Unions and management will meet on Monday to discuss redundancy packages for 150 employees.
The fire, which could be seen for miles around, broke out shortly after 2 p.m. yesterday and destroyed the factory and a number of adjoining buildings including the former Sunbeam plant, a landmark in Cork city.
As well as manufacturing a line of ski-wear for export to Norway, Refond is also involved in the manufacture of bedding and rugs.
An examination of the site has been delayed until Monday because of the high temperatures at the scene.
Cork Fianna Fáil TD, Mr Noel O'Flynn, last night called for an inquiry into the fact firefighters were left to fight the blaze for over 90 minutes with water pressure as low as that of a "garden hosepipe".
Deputy O'Flynn criticised the fact that water reserves had to be brought to the fire in water trucks, as 12 units of Cork City and County fire brigades sought to dampen the blaze.
Last night a spokesman for Cork City Council said although water pressure was an issue, it was due to the fact that emergency services were using a private water system in an old estate, from which to feed the 12 units.
"The instant that it was realised water pressure was an issue, City Council officials ensured that water was diverted from a 12 inch main for the brigades," a spokesman said, adding fire crews deserved great credit for their professionalism.
It was the first time in history that units of Cork County Fire Brigade were called to a city fire, with three units coming to the aid of nine city brigades.