A fire in a co-op in Dungloe, Co Donegal has affected the jobs of 25 people who worked at the 100-year old shopping complex.
The fire ripped through the 465 sq m (5,000 sq ft) supermarket section of the Templecrone Co- op (the Cope) on Dungloe's main street early yesterday, causing widespread damage.
A passing garda raised the alarm and two fire units from Dungloe and Gweedore spent three hours bringing the fire under control and preventing it from spreading.
Unaware of the fire, staff arrived in the town yesterday morning to see Garda forensic experts enter the building to carry out an examination. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
The Cope celebrates its 100th year in business this year. Last January a commemorative stamp was issued by An Post.
More than 100 people are employed in the business in various departments in Dungloe and at branches in west Donegal, 25 of whom worked in the destroyed supermarket.
Manager Jimmy Nangle said the damage was substantial and the premises would be closed for some time. "This is a very sorry blow for us in out 100th year. The fire caused extensive damage and everything inside is destroyed . . .
"We have great support however to rebuild it and we will be back bigger and better than before," he said.
Mr Nangle said the 25 employees affected by the fire will be kept in continuous employment within the co-operative while the supermarket is restored.
Local Minister of State Pat the Cope Gallagher, whose grandfather, Paddy the Cope, founded the business, said it was a devastating blow. "This is very sad news for the town of Dungloe and for the Cope as it celebrates its 100th year. I understand the damage is extensive and that it will remain closed for quite some time," he said."