Gardaí in Co Galway are investigating the cause of a fire that broke out at one of the west's largest meat-processing plants in Gort early yesterday.
Extensive damage was caused to Duffy's meat factory. Management has warned that temporary lay-offs of its 140 staff may be necessary while the impact of the fire is assessed. Many of the staff are non-nationals living in Gort and surrounding areas.
Fire tenders from Gort, Loughrea, Portumna, Galway city and Ennis, Co Clare, had to be summoned to the blaze, which was only brought under control shortly before 10 a.m.
No injuries were reported, but there were fears for a time that the blaze could reach a gas tank outside the factory. The plant's main killing and boning section sustained some damage, while a boning hall and offices were destroyed.
The company's managing director, Mr Seán Duffy, said he hoped to have the factory back working within 10 days, and was anxious to protect staff jobs.
Contact had been made with the Department of Agriculture and Food, and the company's insurers, Mr Duffy said, and further instructions were awaited from both parties.
