The Dundalk house fire that killed two young sisters and their father started accidentally, according to gardaí.
They said today that an electrical fault or a cigarette was the most likely cause. Eddie Wells (39) and daughters Teresa (3) and 18-month-old Natasha died in the fire early yeaterday morning.
Their funerals will take place tomorrow morning and thousands of mourners are expected to pay their respects.
Mr Wells's wife, Michelle, escaped the fire but is deeply traumatised and is being treated in hospital.