Gardaí are investigating the outbreak of a fire at a former psychiatric hospital in Cork city, which they are treating as suspicious.
The blaze, which broke out at the former Our Lady’s Hospital on Lee Road, Shanakiel, caused extensive damage to an unoccupied wing of the former hospital.
Gardai at Gurranabraher Garda station are conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Five units of the Cork City Fire Service, including three water tenders, responded to an emergency call shortly at 10.20pm last night and battled for some time to bring the fire under control.
Up to 30 fire-brigade personnel attended the scene and the fire was extinguished at the 18th century building in a number of hours.
A three-storey section of the historic building was destroyed in the blaze.
The roof collapsed and there was partial collapse of a gable wall.
Firefighters remained at the scene throughout the night and until midday yesterday to make sure all elements of the fire were extinguished.
Fire officer with Cork City Council Fire Service, Noel Rawley said dealing with fires in old buildings can be difficult and they can take hold before they are noticed.
Detective Inspector Michael Fitzpatrick of Gurranabraher Garda station said there have been people drinking in the area from time to time.
No arrests have been made.
The cause of the fire is as of yet unknown.
The scene was being preserved by members of An Garda Síochána today pending a technical examination by the scenes of crime unit at Anglesea Street Garda Station in Cork city.
Part of the former hospital has been renovated into an apartment development called Atkins Hall.
The unoccupied wing is also believed to have been earmarked for renovation work.
The building dates back to 1789 when Cork District Asylum opened.