Cork church left ‘devastated’ following major fire

Update 2pm: Those involved in the Unitarian Church on Princes St say they have been left “devastated” following a major fire at the 18th century church this morning.

In a statement this afternoon, Cork Unitarian Church said while the roof remains intact and the building has been “saved”, the internal damage is significant.

“The roof remains intact. The interior damage is extensive.

“The historic building is saved but the usability of the interior for church services and all other activities has been severely compromised.

“Minister Reverend Mike O'Sullivan and the Church Committee were devastated and are assessing how to proceed going forward,” the statement said.

It added that the Minister wished to express, on behalf of the church community, his “deepest thanks and appreciation to the Cork City Fire Brigade and the Garda Síochána”.

Reverend O'Sullivan stated, "The work of the church is larger than the building.

“We will inform the public at a later date where the Church will meet to continue its work."

Update 12pm: The Unitarian Church on Princes St has been significantly damaged following a fire earlier this morning.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established, however The Echo understands that it is not currently being treated as a malicious incident. No one was injured as a result of the fire. 

Five appliances from Cork City Fire Brigade’s station on Anglesea St rushed to the scene when the alarm was raised at approximately 8am.

A spokesperson for the Fire Brigade told The Echo that it took approximately 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze. 

Crews remained for some time afterwards to assess the scene.

“There is extensive damage to two rooms, a ceiling and an overhead storage area,” the spokesperson said.

A large response from the Fire Brigade was required due to a number of factors, including the age of the building.

“Everybody was needed in the initial stages but then we were able to free up appliances and send them back,” the spokesperson explained.

The last appliance returned to Anglesea St at 11.30am.

Earlier: Emergency services are this morning at the scene of a fire in the city centre. 

The blaze broke out at the Unitarian Church on Princes St. The alarm was raised at around 8am. 

It is understood that no one has been injured as a result of the incident. 

More to follow.