Impacted businesses question if it's possible to rise from the ashes
The scene from the horrific fire at the Tycor Business Centre that has impacted the lives of so many. Photo: Noel Browne
Approximately 35 businesses and 50 units were ravaged by the fire at Tycor Business Centre in Waterford city.
Those who spoke to the emphasised the feeling of pure shock that wrapped them in the wake of the fire.
Blánaid MacCann has resided in the business centre for 35 years. She established NoMac Productions 40 years ago, producing and housing thousands of theatrical costumes in her premises.
Her four staff have said they’re “devastated”.
“They're just totally devastated, they don't know what to do,” Ms MacCann said.
“(One of the staff) said, ‘What do I do now?' You know? And there aren't many people like NoMac around the place.
“My windows were fine at the front, but I could see from the aerial photograph that the whole warehouse is gone. The whole roof is gone.”
A Garda who had inspected the premises said that while the windows had maintained, the room in which Ms MacCann works had been engulfed in black soot.
“We don't yet know what this means for Nomac Productions, and we will be figuring out those steps over the coming weeks,” said a statement from the company on Facebook.
“We know that this will be as confusing and scary for us as it is for all of you. However, we know that Nomac productions is so much more than the warehouse and workroom we have lost.
“It is our amazing clients who have trusted us with their visions for over 40 years. It is the endlessly talented and committed staff that have brought Nomac to life, Jenna, Donna and Dawn.
“It is the community that has supported us and uplifted our business since the very beginning. It is our families, friends, suppliers, supporters and everyone who has donned a Nomac costume to deliver a performance.”
Ms MacCann spoke to the Libby Marchant in March about the foundation of her business, after receiving the Waterford News & Star Green Room Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to arts, theatre and culture in Waterford.
“My mother was involved in the backstage work with Collins’ musical society in Cork. It was only once a year she did it.
“But I was always interested in sewing. Then when Tops of the Town started a friend of mine came to me, her husband was the chairperson of banks and finance, and she asked if I would give a hand.
“Then they said, ‘Look, would you take over the costumes?’ and I said I would, not knowing what was involved. But I did and it was perfect and I loved it.
“My children still talk about me being on the floor of the sitting room with the scissors cutting out stuff for Tops.”
The devastation of losing decades of work - a lifetime's worth - and the impact on local theatre and arts communities will linger on for a long time.
Andrew Hepburn, owner of DG Foods Ltd, has traded from the industrial estate for over 20 years.
“(The fire) does happen in slow motion… I was in my store 20 minutes before it was gone, because we were convinced there was going to be nothing wrong.
“It's a massive kick in the teeth to our business that we've got a lot of money tied up in stock. We've got a lot of money tied up in equipment up there.
“We had a big walk in freezer, forklifts, racking, computer equipment. There's nobody going to wave a magic wand tomorrow and give me an open chequebook to go and sort it all out. Then we need to find another premises, which, again, is not easy.”
Galling before-and-after photos show the devastation the fire wreaked on Mr Hepburn’s business.
Paul Hearne set up his martial arts gym post-Covid.
“I actually live in Poleberry, so from my apartment, you can see this area, it was smoked. We didn't take much notice of it. Then word spread quickly," said Mr Hearne.
They made their way up to Tycor as fast as they could at that stage.
“We all know, kids need a routine and need to stick to the routine. But we're looking at the long run now more than the short haul by the looks of it, because there's very slim pickings out there for rental properties.”
He said the value of the inventory he had inside the gym - from floor mats, hanging bags, uniforms - cost in the thousands.
“Like so many others affected, we are still trying to take everything in,” the auto repair company said on Facebook.
“It’s difficult to put into words how heartbreaking it is to see the place we built and worked from every day destroyed so suddenly.
“We want to sincerely thank the firefighters and emergency services who worked throughout the night in incredibly difficult conditions, as well as everyone who has reached out with messages of support. The kindness shown to us over the last 24 hours has genuinely meant so much.
“Our thoughts are also with all of the neighbouring businesses impacted by this tragedy. We know how much hard work, sacrifice and passion goes into building a business, and we are devastated for everyone involved.
“Right now, our focus is on finding a way forward. Behind the scenes, we are already working hard to get back up and running as soon as possible. Although we do not yet know what that looks like, or where we may reopen, we are determined that this will not be the end for us.”
