Safety concerns at St Mel's delay forensic tests

Forensic tests to establish the cause of the fire at St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford have been delayed because of safety concerns.

Garda technical experts had been expected to begin a technical examination yesterday of the cathedral, which caught fire early on Christmas morning.

However, St Mel’s remained unsafe yesterday and tests have been delayed by at least 24 hours.

The cathedral caught fire early on Christmas morning, resulting in damage estimated at €2 million. The fire is thought to have started at the back of the cathedral.

The Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, Dr Colm O’Reilly, and Longford mayor, Peggy Nolan have pledged that St Mel’s will be restored.