Fire crews battle blaze in Meath

Firefighters are continuing to attempt to put out a major fire which broke out last night at a waste recycling facility in Co…

Firefighters are continuing to attempt to put out a major fire which broke out last night at a waste recycling facility in Co Meath.

Eight fire crews were in attendance at the blaze at the facility at the Bauparc Business Park on the outskirts of Slane.

There were no injuries but the facility has been badly damaged in the fire that started at about 11.30pm.

Site operator, Panda Waste Service, has confirmed that the fire is based in an EPA-licenced warehouse containing 700 tonnes of recycled waste.

"There is no toxic material located at this facility," the company said.

Panda operates four other licensed facilities in Finglas and Walkinstown. Company director Brian McCabe said there will be "absolutely no disruption" to Panda's collection of waste from esidential and commercial customers.

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The company said it expects to have a report on the cause of the fire "within the next 48 hours".

Acting chief fire officer with Meath Fire Brigade Padraig Ó Longaigh said the fire was contained within the plant but it could take up to 48 hours before the blaze is extinguished.

"There is quite a substantial amount of waste product involved in it and it'll be a little while before we get to deal with it all," he told RTÉ Radio.

“At the moment, it’s looking like it may take between 24 to 48 hours.”

Gardaí are advising motorists in the area to take extra care while driving as smoke is hindering visibility.

AA Roadwatch said long delays are reported through Slane and on the N2 Dublin to Monaghan road. Drivers were advised to use the M1 as an alternative route.