Reopening date unknown for Douglas Village

John Barry

Douglas Village Shopping Centre will remain closed until further notice following a major fire on Saturday that left dozens of vehicles destroyed, and severely damaged the car park.

Cork Fire Brigade responded to reports of a car ablaze in the carpark at Douglas Village Shopping Centre on Saturday evening. It is estimated that as many as 50 cars may have been destroyed as engineers continue to access the damage. Following safety inspections, the scene will be under garda investigation. 

Acting Fire Chief David Spillett said on Saturday: “On arrival we had a fairly substantial fire, ongoing. We committed a large quantity of resources. We have six appliances, water tenders, we have three hydraulic platforms. We’ve a water tanker control unit responding to this incident.”

It is estimated that almost 200 cars may remain in the carpark, which has been sealed off for inspection. Following safety inspections, a garda investigation is ongoing.

“A large amount of resources, and the fire and the damage has been quite severe. We have reports of approximately 40 to 50 cars severely damaged. An unknown quantity of minor damage after that. It’s unknown as to the cause of it at the moment,” continued Mr Spillett. 

Douglas Village Shopping Centre have set up a helpline for those effected by the fire at 087-9509800.

Keary’s Motors on the Kinsale Road are offering vehicles, with no pressure to buy, to those left without transport as a result of the fire. Appointments can be made by phone at 021-4910700. More information can be found on kearys.ie. Customers are asked to bring their insurance details.

Douglas Post Office will also remain closed. Customer payments from the post office have been transferred to the post office in Scally’s Supervalu in Blackrock.