Gardaí are investigating a fire, which is believed to have been started maliciously at a disused factory in Limerick.
The fire broke out at about 5pm on Saturday evening and spread right through the former Atlas Aluminium plant, located off the Dock Road in the city.
“We actually got the call from one of our retired members, who rang the station after seeing the smoke. So, we mobilised and brought down two pumps, a water tanker, and an aerial ladder as well.
“So, we got in and the fire was going well – it was coming out through the windows, explained Jim Close, sub officer, Limerick City Fire Service, at the scene.
The fire destroyed the entire building and raged close to a number of operating businesses that were not damaged.
More than 160 workers lost their jobs at the factory in early 2008 when the plant shut down, due to the loss of substantial customer business contracts.
It had been providing a substantial number of jobs to the midwest region, from when it first opened in 1980.