LAST UPDATE | 18 Apr 2025

(Video courtesy of Susan Watters/X showing the Meath fire)

FIRE SERVICES BATTLED major fires at waste facilities in Cork and Meath overnight.

The first was at a Thorntons Recycling facility in Dunboyne Industrial Estate, Co Meath, which was reported at around 10pm last night.

Units from Meath County Council Fire and Rescue Service attended the fire, which has now been brought under control.

No injuries were reported, and gardaí said foul play is not suspected at this time.

Thorntons describes the facility as mainly handling dry mixed recyclables.

Skip hire

At midnight, authorities in Cork were alerted to a fire at what is reported to be a skip hire company outside Midleton.

“Six appliances from Midleton and Cobh Fire Brigades attended the incident, four units from Midleton and two from Cobh,” a statement from Cork County Council read.

“The fire was brought under control at approximately 4am. There are no reported injuries. Weather conditions will reduce the impacts of smoke in the vicinity with rainfall likely to continue throughout the day.”

The council advised locals to stay away from the facility, and that diversions remain in place.

Gardaí said the scene is preserved pending technical examination.