Emergency services attend fire at St Dympna’s Hospital in Carlow

Extensive damage was caused by a fire at St Dympna’s Hospital in Carlow overnight.

It broke out shortly before 1am this morning at the site on the Athy Road.

A passer-by heard a window smash, saw the smoke inside and called the emergency services.

The fire service remained on site until about 5.30 this morning and Gardaí are awaiting a forensic examination.

Staff have been briefed and sent home for the time being.

Carlow Fire Chief, Alan O’Neill, told KCLR News this morning that units from surrounding areas had to be called in.

There was nobody in the building at the time.