The full impact of the damage caused by a major fire in the Tycor area of Waterford city is now beginning to be felt.
Significant flames could be seen - some believed to be up to 12 metres in height - at the old Jute Factory on Saturday evening into Sunday morning.
Fire crews from across Waterford city and county as well as neighbouring Kilkenny battled through the night to bring the fire under control.
It is understood that between 30-40 of the 50 premises in the business centre have been severely damaged and will not be able to reopen.
It is believed that this will have an impact on up to 200 employees who were due to return to work today following the weekend.
However, it is not just businesses that have been impacted.
The building is also home to a service that is run by the Brothers of Charity for 20-30 adults with intellectual disabilities.
The service has been cancelled today, and Waterford City and County Council is searching for a suitable premises as a replacement.
Minister of State with special responsibility for Mental Health and Waterford TD, Mary Butler has said she is working with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, as well as the local council, to find a temporary home for the service.
A number of community groups, including Waterford Centre of Music, have also had their premises destroyed.
Four churches of various religions were also located in the centre.
Waterford City and County Council has said that "fire service operations" will continue at the site throughout the coming days.
The local authority previously said that it was proceeding on the basis that asbestos is present.
A statement from the council yesterday said: "While the presence of an asbestos bound cement roof on the building has not been confirmed, following a risk assessment, the local authority is proceeding on the basis that asbestos is present.
"Analysis with an environmental consultant and construction specialist is taking place.
"As a precautionary measure, members of the public within the immediate vicinity of the site are advised to: close windows and doors; do not touch/remove any debris; dampen down or lightly sprinkle surface dust particles with water; and do not cut/mow grass."
A spokesperson for Waterford City and County Council added that anyone experiencing health effects should seek medical attention.
Asbestos is a name given to many different naturally occurring minerals, made up of long thin fibres, which can be dangerous if they are inhaled as dust.
Up until 1999, asbestos was commonly used in building materials, mainly for insulation and fireproofing.
As the full extent of the damage caused by the fire and its subsequent repercussions continue to be felt, attention now turns towards what can be done to help those who have been most affected.
Local TD and Minister of State John Cummins has said he has spoken with his colleague Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke in this regard.
Minister Cummins said: "Government, across a number of departments, will look at standing up a humanitarian scheme to assist businesses and groups impacted by the devastating fire.
"I spoke with Minister Burke throughout today, and he and Government are committed to supporting those impacted.
"He will visit the site in Waterford city and engage with businesses impacted shortly.
"I again want to pay tribute to the brave fire service personnel who battled to get this devastating fire under control.
"My thoughts are with the business owners, employees and residents in the surrounding area who have had their lives turned upside down," Minister Cummins added.
Watch: Extensive damage following major fire in Waterford city
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
A number of local ministers including James Browne, Mary Butler and John Cummins are expected to visit the affected areas early this morning.
It is understood that a significant and a highly controlled clean-up operation of the site will begin over the coming days.
The focus of the initial stages of this operation will be the safe removal of the building's cement roof, which may or may not contain asbestos, pending the outcome of the council's assessment.
