An investigation is being carried out at University Hospital Limerick following a fire yesterday, which lead to the evacuation of the paediatric unit and emergency department (ED).

It is understood that the fire began in the early evening in a plant room on the roof of one of the hospital's laboratories near the back of the hospital. This is located close to the paediatric unit.

Fourteen children from the paediatric unit were subsequently evacuated, due to large amounts of smoke.

A decision was taken to also evacuate the ED, however this was just for a short time. All visitors to the hospital were asked to leave.

The fire was brought under control and there were no injuries. A technical team is now examining the plant room to determine what started the fire.