Gardaí in Sligo are investigating the cause of a fire which broke out early yesterday at sheds which were being used to store water meters.
While there were unconfirmed reports that the fire was started deliberately, Gardaí said it was too early to speculate until the results of forensic examinations are known.
It is understood that up to 120 water meters worth an estimated €12,000 were destroyed.
A Garda spokesman refused to comment on reports that arson was suspected or that there was evidence of forced entry at the premises at Union Place in the centre of Sligo.
Irish Water has confirmed that there was a fire in a depot used by one of the contractors working on the company’s metering programme. The company said that the fire had been brought under control by Sligo Fire Department.
A spokeswoman said that, because the matter was currently under investigation by An Garda Síochána and the Fire Department, that Irish Water could not comment further.
Three units of the Fire Service fought the fire which extensively damaged a number of sheds in the depot which is located at the rear of the Railway Hostel. The alarm was raised shortly after 6am.
Gardaí preserved the scene and an examination was carried out by the crime scene unit.
There have been a number of peaceful protests throughout the summer to coincide with efforts to install water meters in a number of Sligo housing estates.
Contractors were forced to withdraw after objections by residents in some estates and it was agreed that talks would take place.
