Twenty-three jobs are to go at a company in Offaly that was damaged by fire earlier this month.

A fire broke out in the production area of the Flatbread company in Clara less than two weeks ago.

Eight workers were on site at the time of the incident and were safely evacuated.

Management at the firm said that 23 staff will be let go with nine to be kept on a full- or part-time basis.

The company added that the existing building will need to be demolished and they hope to to return to the area and recommence business as soon as possible.

‘Deeply disappointing’

Flatbread said it will not be able to return until later this year because it is dependant on specialist equipment which has to be manufactured and sourced from the USA.

“Regretfully, this means that the majority of our staff will lose their jobs, a situation which we appreciate is devastating for those individuals and their families, but also frustrating and deeply disappointing for the management of the company,” read the company statement.

The Flatbread company produces a range of pizza bases and tortilla wraps and employs up to 35 people depending on seasonal demand.