Engineers are assessing the damage to the Douglas multistorey as traders examine their options

An assessment is currently ongoing at the Douglas Shopping Centre which suffered damage after a fire broke out yesterday. 

Speaking to The Echo, Patrick Bresnan of Bresnan Butchers, a store in the centre, said he hopes the shop can reopen for pedestrian access tomorrow. 

Mr Bresnan was leaving work yesterday when he saw smoke billowing from the building. He returned to ensure his staff evacuated the building safely. 

He praised Cork City Fire Brigade for arriving quickly at the scene. Gardai and fire services remain at the scene this morning as the road outside the car park entrance remains closed. 

Security staff outside the shopping centre entrance have been approached by concerned car owners wondering if their own car was one of the many caught up in the blaze.