Seven units of the fire brigade were called out to a fire at the Hotel Kilkenny on the outskirts of Kilkenny city shortly before 9 p.m. last night.
The fire appeared to have broken out in the new multimillion pound leisure section of the hotel which is under construction and which was due to open in July. Guests in the hotel were not put in danger.
A person was arrested in connection with the fire and more arrests are expected.