Fire service personnel in Galway are continuing to monitor the situation at a lithium battery production plant in Baile Chláir, after an incident there forced the evacuation of a number of schools and businesses.
Some 1,700 pupils at Coláiste Bhaile Chláir and Claregalway Educate Together were sent home early yesterday as a precautionary measure. The schools remain closed today.
The incident at the Xerotech facility in Claregalway Corporate Park centred around an exothermic chemical reaction in a container in which lithium batteries were being stored.
Several units from Galway Fire Service have been dealing with the issue since Wednesday morning. Crews have been dousing the batteries with water, in an effort to ensure they do not overheat.
A decision was taken to evacuate nearby business units yesterday afternoon, as fire fighters continued to deal with the incident. Work continued there late into the night and the situation is now said to be under control.
A further assessment at the site will take place later today, to see whether the industrial estate can re-open.
Water used during the cooling process was contained and re-circulated in an effort to ensure there was no contamination of nearby drains, which were intentionally blocked at the start of the operation.
The multi-agency response, involving the Health Service Executive and gardaí, was overseen by Galway Fire Service.
Xerotech has expanded significantly since it was established and now occupies a significant footprint in the Corporate Park.
The disruption caused by the chemical reaction at its base has led to some concerns among neighbouring businesses.
Kieran Cooney, who runs audiovisual production firm Cue One Ireland, said a fire at the plant in 2022 had caused significant disruption to his business then, and that the latest incident was causing further upheaval.
Mr Cooney said the uncertainty caused by the evacuation was impacting on a number of events his company is involved in over the Bank Holiday weekend. He has called for greater monitoring of the manufacturing processes at industrial facilities.
In light of the disruption, Minister of State Noel Grealish said the Xerotech company should not be permitted to reopen before concrete assurances are given regarding safety arrangements at its Baile Chláir base given its proximity to schools, businesses and residential properties.
The Galway West TD is seeking a meeting with the company to ensure such guarantees are in place as a matter of urgency.
