As many as 20 jobs may be under threat after a blaze at a waste recycling centre in Drumlish, Co Longford that broke out earlier today.
Longford fire service spokesman
Owner Anthony Mulleady said waste sorting equipment was totally destroyed in the fire, but waste collection services will not be affected.
Management were due to meet staff this afternoon to discuss employment at the plant. Mr Mulleady said: "It's a very stressful situation coming up to Christmas."
Garda forensic officers will examine the derelict remains of the waste management centre to determine the cause of the fire.
It took 30 fire fighters from units in Longford, Edgeworthstown and Mohill to bring the blaze under control.
A spokesman for Longford fire service said: "It's a major fire that has spread to what I think is an adjoining building," he said. "But thankfully no one has been injured."
"The adjoining building has been extensively damaged," he added. It is not yet known how the fire started.
