A VITAL range of healthcare supplies, including personal protective equipment, was destroyed in a major fire in Letterkenny yesterday evening.
The blaze broke out at Watson Hire in the Lisnennan area of the town at around 6pm.
The fire raged through the business and caused extensive damage to an adjacent store used by the HSE.
Large numbers of of wheelchairs, hospital beds, nebulisers and the county’s supply of personal protective equipment were lost in the fire.
Donegal Sinn Féin TD Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has called on the HSE to urgently replenish the supplies.
“I want to firstly convey my solidarity with the businesses affected by this fire in Letterkenny this evening,” Deputy Mac Lochlainn said.
“This is such a cruel blow for the owners and workers coming on the back of serious losses due to this public health crisis.
“I have also learned that a major HSE store has been seriously impacted by this fire with the loss of a wide range of health care supplies, including wheelchairs, hospital beds, nebulisers and the county’s supply of personal protective equipment.
“I am appealing to the HSE to urgently fully replenish this supply so vital to our hospitals, staff and patients across the county.
“I am also appealing to the government to ensure that the financial resources required to secure an alternative store for these supplies is provided immediately.
“I will be speaking to senior HSE officials and making contact with the Minister for Health to ensure that this happens.”
The fire started as staff at Watson Hire were preparing to close the premises for the evening.
A loud bang was heard before the flames quickly took hold as startled staff fled to safety.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and fire crews battled the flames for some time.
There were no injuries sustained in the blaze and the cause remains unconfirmed at this time.
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