Updated 11.57am
FIRE SERVICES ARE still battling a blaze at a disused factory in the Cannery Road area of Carlow after the fire burned through the night.
Residents have been told to keep indoors this morning because of fears the factory contained hazardous materials and that toxins could leach into the air from its burned-out asbestos roofing.
Locals were warned to keep windows and doors shut to keep out the potentially noxious fumes – and not to go outside to watch the inferno.
There have been no reports of injuries and the fire has been brought under control, although it continues to burn.
A section of the N9 was previously closed and Gardaí were advising motorists to steer clear, however road restrictions have now been lifted.
The factory was said not to have been in use for several years.
The Environmental Protection Agency is liaising with the Gardaí and Carlow County Council.
In a statement yesterday, gardaí said:
As a matter of precaution residents in the immediate vicinity of the fire, Cannery Road, Oak Park, Oak Lawns, Deer Park, Hazelwood and the Athy Road are requested to remain indoors and keep windows and doors shut, due to large plumes of smoke created by the fire. No evacuation has been ordered.
- additional reporting by Peter Bodkin
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