Firefighters tonight spent over an hour battling a blaze at a scrap yard in Ringaskiddy in Co Cork before bringing the blaze under control.
The fire broke out at the Hammond Lane scrap metal yard in Ringaskiddy near the entrance to Haulbowline Island at around 5pm.
Local residents reported hearing an explosion and a large plume of smoke was visible from the scrap yard which is near the National Maritime College in Ringaskiddy.
Units of the Cork County Fire Service from Carrigaline and Crosshaven responded to the fire and spent around an hour bringing the blaze under control.
It's not believed anyone was injured in the blaze and while it was unclear what had caused the fire, a full investigation is expected to start tomorrow into how the blaze started.
Tonight, the Cork Harbour Alliance for a Safe Environment pointed out the scrap yard is surrounded the site of a planned hazardous waste incinerator proposed by Indaver Ireland.
CHASE Chairperson Mary O'Leary said that concerned residents in Cobh and Ringaskiddy had been unable to find out from any official source what was burning in the fire.
"There is no environmental service available. Phones have rung out in the EPA and Cork County Council, as big black palls of smoke still pour across Cork Harbour towards Cobh."
Ms O'Leary said that the fire highlighted the need for proper planning in relation to the proposed incinerator which is currently under consideration by An Bord Pleanala.
"More than ever this highlights the need for planning sanity — this is an explosion right in the middle of a would-be incinerator site, where highly flammable hazardous wastes are to be stored, and which is already classified as a high risk Serveso.
"The hazard posed is unacceptable to people living and working in Cork Harbour. That hazard has been brought to life this afternoon, and we need An Bord Pleanala need to recognise this."
