Galway Fire and Rescue Service is responding to a significant fire at the Claregalway Corporate Business Park, Galway County Council announced today, Thursday, January 30.

A partial evacuation of the business park is underway as a "precautionary measure," the county council said.

Claregalway Educate Together National School and Coláiste Bhaile Chláir secondary school are also being evacuated "in the interest of public safety," the statement said.

"An Garda Síochána is assisting with the evacuation process."

Pupils from Coláiste Bhaile Chláir secondary school are being transported to Claregalway GAA Club at Knockdoemore, while pupils from the Claregalway Educate Together National School are being evacuated to the church in Claregalway.

Parents and guardians are being advised not to go to the schools and instead collect their children from the GAA club and the church.

"Emergency services remain on site, and further updates will be provided as the situation develops," the county council said.

"Galway County Council urges the public to follow official guidance and avoid the area to allow emergency services to carry out their work."

📣Press Statement Galway County Council📣 - Major Fire Incident at Claregalway Corporate Business Park pic.twitter.com/M6a9Nuq2UW

— Galway County Council (@GalwayCoCo) January 30, 2025

According to Galway Bay FM, the widescale emergency follows a fire at the Xerotech battery company in the Corporate Park yesterday.

"The fire broke out at the facility at around 7:15 am, and no injuries were reported," Galway Bay FM reported on Thursday.

"Emergency services remained at the plant all day, but there are questions over why evacuations are taking place a day later."

Claregalway National School, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir, Educate Together Primary School and every business in the Corporate Park have been evacuated.#GalwayBayfmNews https://t.co/9PtUd11qIv

— Galway Bay FM (@gbayfm) January 30, 2025

The Galway Advertiser separately reported: "It is understood the fire at Xerotech, a battery manufacturer, happened yesterday but there are concerns of lithium contamination following the fire."

Galway County Councillor Martin McNamara told the Irish Independent: “There is a lot of concern out there, especially on the extent of the evacuation, where students were removed to alternative locations.

“I have a number of queries coming in from parents asking why were children putting to schools today if the fire took place yesterday.

“Queries like what would have triggered such a major escalation of this event.

"We hope that all the children are safe and that nobody has inhaled anything.”

Xerotech, founded in 2015, makes advanced lithium-ion battery systems for construction, agriculture and mining machinery.

It is possible that after a lithium battery fire, toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen cyanide can be released, leading to respiratory issues, chemical burns, and poisoning. Exposure to smoke and particulates can also cause lung damage, heart strain, and long-term neurological effects.