The massive fire at the Port of Cork Ringaskiddy deepwater berth has been brought under control. The Port Company reported there are no reports of any casualties and that fire-fighters will remain on site for the coming hours to monitor the area.

The fire broke out at the R&H Hall grain storage facility at the complex earlier, and the alarm was raised after 8 am.

The fire began in a grain store at a deepwater berth used for freight services, the port authority said shortly after 0930 GMT, urging local residents to keep all doors and windows shut and remain indoors. It said just over an hour later that the fire was under control.

"Emergency services remain on-site to monitor the area. Ship operations in Ringaskiddy, Deepwater Berth, have been suspended," the port authority said on Twitter. Images posted on social media by local residents showed a large cloud of black smoke coming from the port.

Ferry companies have increased direct freight services between Ireland and France in response to demand for an alternative route to the British "land-bridge" used by around 3,000 lorries each week to ship goods to and from mainland Europe.

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