Council meets with public health unit over asbestos concerns in wake of Waterford city Jute site blaze
Fire Services fighting the blaze which took hold at the Old Jute Factory in Tycor, Waterford city on Saturday evening.
Waterford City and County Council's management team met with the HSE Public Health unit in Waterford on Sunday morning (May 10) in the aftermath of the devastating fire at the Old Jute Factory.
The blaze, which took hold in the Tycor Business Centre which occupies the site of the former factory in Waterford's inner city suburbs, caused extensive damage.
While the fire, which broke out on Saturday evening (May 9) in a commercial premises at the old Jute Factory, has now been brought under control by Waterford Fire Services, concerns remain for public health particularly in relation to the presence of asbestos in the building.
No casualties have been reported, however, the building was extensively damaged and fire service operations will continue at the site throughout the coming days.
Waterford City and County Council is advising that the streets within the immediate vicinity of the Jute Factory site - Morrisons’s Avenue, Griffith Place and Tycor Avenue - remain closed. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area as operations continue.
Following the meeting between the Waterford City and County Council management team and the HSE Public Health unit on Sunday, public health advice is as follows:
- Avoid the immediate area
- If you smell smoke in your vicinity, close all doors and windows
Waterford Council said: "While the presence of an asbestos-bound cement roof on the building has not been confirmed, following a risk assessment, the Local Authority is proceeding on the basis that asbestos is present.
"Analysis with an environmental consultant and construction specialist is taking place."
As a precautionary measure, members of the public within the immediate vicinity of the site are advised to:
- Close windows and doors
- Do not touch / remove any debris
- Dampen down or lightly sprinkle surface dust particles with water
- Do not cut / mow grass
Council also stated: "If you are experiencing health effects, please seek medical attention."
