UPDATE: Clean-up operations after fire continue for second day at Tycor Business Centre

Specialist contractors will continue clean-up operations today (Tuesday, May 12th) following a fire at the Old Jute Factory site at Tycor Business Centre.

On Saturday evening, May 9th, fire brigades from Waterford City, Tramore, Dunmore East, Portlaw and Dungarvan tended to a large fire at a commercial premises in Tycor in Waterford City. Over the coursTe of the night the major fire was brought under control, however the building was extensively damaged.

Asbestos-containing materials identified in the area have been removed from surrounding roads and footpaths, and clean-up operations of external areas of private houses located within the vicinity of the Old Jute Factory site will commence today.

Streets within the immediate vicinity of the Jute Factory site remain closed and members of the public are further advised to avoid the area as operations continue.

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• Morrisons’s Avenue
• Griffith Place
• Tycor Avenue

Air quality monitoring is continuing in the vicinity, and no elevated levels of asbestos fibre concentrations have been reported.

However, the HSE public safety advice remains:

• Do not touch / remove any debris, ash or soot particles
•  If necessary, dampen down dust particles with a light dousing of water. It is important not to disturb or aerosolise particles.
• Do not use a power hose
• Do not brush debris
• Do not use a vacuum
•  Do not cut / mow grass
• Do not bring debris, dust, ash, or suspected ACMs into your home on footwear or clothing
• Remove and clean footwear before entering the house, where possible
• Wash hands thoroughly after any outdoor activities

If small amounts of dust or debris have entered your home, avoid vacuuming or vigorous cleaning, as this may disturb particles and cause them to become airborne; clean surfaces gently using gloves and disposable damp cloths or wet wipes only; do not use dry cloths, brushes or household dusters; used cloths and wipes should be placed in a sealed bag immediately after use.

Sealed bags should be placed outside for collection and disposal by the Council’s specialist contractor.

The Council continues to work closely with the building owners and relevant specialists to ensure the site is fully remediated and managed appropriately and would like to thank members of the public for their patience and cooperation while these works are being carried out.

If members of the public have any concerns, please contact Waterford City and County Council Customers Services Desks at 0818 10 20 20.