Trevor Quinn
GARDAÍ in Swinford are investigating whether there is any possible connection between last week’s fire which extensively damaged a Londis supermarket and up to twelve adjoining apartments and last months €400,000 cannabis find in the town.
A Garda spokesperson told The Mayo News they are treating the fire, which started at approximately 11pm in the Square on Monday night May 2, ‘as suspicious’. The fire blazed through the night well in to Tuesday morning as a number of fire services battled to bring it under control. The garda spokesperson said this was primarily as a result of the quick responsive work of the emergency services.
The Garda Scenes of Crime Unit carried out a large-scale technical examination after 9am on Tuesday morning. Partial diversions were put in place around the town centre area immediately after the incident.
The fire caused considerable damage to the interior of the apartments. The blaze also resulted in serious water damage to the Londis supermarket, and renovations are expected to take at least a number of weeks. Commenting on the fire local Councillor Joe Mellett wished proprietor Stephen Mooney and his staff all the best in the restoration of the store adding that he felt very sorry for employees who would now be unemployed for a period. “It’s sad that there could be 12 people out of work”.
A Garda Spokesperson said that house to house enquiries had taken place and the investigation was ongoing. Anyone with information should contact Swinford Garda Station on 094 9251115 or Charlestown Garda Station on 094 9254104.
