Members of Galway Fire Department battle to put out the fire at Kieran Farrells Tyre Plant in Ballybane on Thursday night. Photo by Reg Gordon

Staff at Kieran Farrell Tyres have thanked the local fire service for their swift response to last week's blaze in Ballybane.

Skies all over the city were black with smoke when two containers filled with tyres, due for recycling, were set alight at the plant at approximately 6.45pm on Thursday evening, 4 October.

Six units of the Galway fire brigade were dispatched to tackle the blaze, which continued for over three hours. Flames as high as 30 ft were reported by onlookers at the scene.

According to Liam Cummins of Kieran Farrell Tyres, the fire caused extensive damage but they are not sure of the extent as yet.

"There were a number of artic containers damaged by the fires, as well as damage to property on either side, although we are not sure of exactly how much yet.

"It is currently being assessed by the insurance company. We would specially like to thank the Gardaí, the fire brigade and everyone else who helped us to clean up after the fire," he explained.

By 9.30pm, the fire had been brought under control but there was further trouble as traffic all over the city was gridlocked. The plumes of smoke caused poor visibility and two people had to be brought to UCHG following a collision between a motorcycle and a car near the scene.

A fifteen-year-old boy was arrested in relation to the fire and a file has subsequently been sent to the DPP.

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