Letter to the Editor: 'I grew up just a couple of hundred yards from the old Jute factory'
Fire Services tackle the blaze at the Tycor Business Centre.
Dear Editor,
I put together some thoughts on the fire at the old jute factory site.
Most importantly and thankfully no one was injured or worse during the course of the fire.
As Mayor I want to express my gratitude to the firefighters, Gardai and other emergency services who responded with absolute professionalism from the offset. We are fortunate to have such an experienced group of firefighters that responded to this situation so quickly.
I also want to thank the members of the emergency team at Waterford City and County Council, including the communications team, who mobilised without delay making sure all measures were put in place to respond to this tragedy in such a timely manner.
As Mayor of Waterford I want to thank Ministers John Cummins and Mary Butler for their leadership roles they have taken in bringing senior Ministers and indeed cabinet ministers to Waterford. We await the outcome of these visits.
My thoughts, most importantly, are with all of those who lost their businesses due to the fire. I have asked the Chief Executive to engage with these businesses to see how we can assist them going forward.
To the residents living in this old part of the city again as Mayor I would like to convey my deepest sympathies on this tragedy.
I grew up just a couple of hundred yards from the old Jute factory and passed it every day on my way to school in Mount Sion. It is very sad to see what has happened.
Mayor of Waterford City and County,
Cllr Seamus Ryan
