Buses destroyed in depot fire

A dozen buses have been destroyed during an early morning fire at a coach tour operator.

A dozen buses have been destroyed during an early morning fire at a coach tour operator.

Management at Dualway are calculating the cost of the damage to its fleet at its depot in south Dublin.

It is understood the blaze, which broke out about 5am in Keatings Park industrial estate on Naas Road, Rathcoole, may have been started deliberately.

The scene has been sealed off for a technical examination.

Five units of Dublin Fire Brigade fought to bring the blaze under control and saved more than 40 other vehicles.

The damage is expected to cost hundreds of thousands of euro.

Dualway, a family-run company, has been in existence for more than 30 years and employs 90 people.

It founded the now global City Sightseeing tours and runs guided tours of Dublin and Kilkenny, and Gray Line Tours in Ireland.

It also operates two local services in west Dublin, school buses and corporate and group transport.

Gardaí in Rathcoole are investigating the blaze and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

PA