A number of business premises in Skibbereen, Co Cork, have been extensively damaged by a fire which broke out at around 6.30pm yesterday.
It is understood that at least one of the buildings has been destroyed.
Gardaí believe the fire may have been started deliberately.
The blaze began at the Church Restaurant on Bridge Street, which is a former Methodist Church, dating back to 1833.
Several premises adjoining the restaurant, including a hardware store and the local Social Welfare Office, have been damaged.
Fire crews fought the blaze for several hours.
Gardaí were called to the scene following reports that a number of people were involved in a row, several cars were damaged and that a number of premises had been entered.
One man was arrested and is being held at Skibbereen Garda Station.
He was arrested in connection with the public order incident which gardaí say, at the moment, is not connected to the fire.
