Garda investigate north Dublin fire

Gardaí have begun an investigation into the cause of a fire that broke out at a business centre in north Dublin this morning…

Gardaí have begun an investigation into the cause of a fire that broke out at a business centre in north Dublin this morning.

The fire started at a children's play centre in the Butterly Business Park in Artane in the early hours of the morning.

A Garda spokesman said there was an explosion at the empty business premises at about 4am. Seven units of the Dublin Fire Brigade were called to attend the blaze.

The fire was brought under control just after 5.15am, with the last unit remaining at the scene until about 10am.

Gardaí said it was too early to tell if the fire had been started maliciously.

There was extensive damage to the premises, but no injuries were reported. However, Dublin Fire Brigade said its officers reported finding asbestos at the site, and environmental health officials had been informed.

Asbestos can be harmful if the fibres are inhaled as dust. It has been linked to increased risk of lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma, a rare cancer affecting the lining around the lung and the lining of the abdominal cavity.

The business park in Kilmore Road was built on the site of the former Stardust nightclub, which was destroyed in a fire in the early hours of February 14th, 1981, killing 48 young people. More than 200 were injured in the blaze, which was ruled as probable arson by a Government inquiry established after the tragedy.

However, families of the Stardust victims have campaigned for a new inquiry into the incident. A hearing to decide if a new inquiry into the cause of the fire should be conducted was opened in September.