One of Ireland's most expensive private schools was extensively damaged yesterday evening when a fire broke out in a room at the school near Bray, Co Wicklow.
The fire started in St Gerard's at around 6.30pm.
The fire brigade sent six units to the scene as well as a hydraulic platform and a water tanker.
Gardaí were notified and were also present at the scene.
According to a spokesman for the fire brigade last night the fire was brought under control, but the building had been "burned to the ground".
No ambulances were called to the scene and there were no reports of any injuries.
To assist the fire brigade in fighting the fire, the ESB cut all power to the school.
The building that was destroyed had been used as a boys' dormitory.
Founded in 1918, St Gerard's is a lay Catholic private school.
It has around 325 students in its senior school and a further 200 in the junior section.
It caters for both girls and boys and has a substantial complement of boarders.