Gardaí are investigating the cause of a fire at a derelict building in Clare this evening.

The alarm was raised shortly at around 6.00pm when a blaze was reported off Harmony Road in Ennis on the northern side of the River Fergus.

Units of Clare County Fire and Rescue Service from Ennis station responded to the incident along with Gardaí.

On arrival at the scene, fire crews found the building well alight. Personnel began tackling the blaze from the ground while later, a hydraulic platform was brought in so crews could also fight the fire from above.

As firefighters sprayed the building with water, loud cracks could be heard as tiling that had been exposed to the heat began to crack and shatter. The fire was brought under control quickly.

It’s understood the site where the building is located has been earmarked for a significant commercial development while the former residence is expected to be demolished to facilitate this.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed: “Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to a fire at a derelict property on Harmony Row in Ennis, Clare at approximately 5:30pm this evening, Wednesday 2nd April 2025.

The fire was later extinguished by local fire services. No injuries were reported.

The scene is currently preserved pending a technical examination. Enquiries are ongoing.”