#WATCH Fire at former Centrepoint shopping centre in Portlaoise

County Laois Fire and Rescue Service have been called in to tackle a fire at the former Centrepoint shopping centre in Portlaoise.

Chief Fire Officer Declan Power said crew attached to the Portlaoise Fire Station were on the scene on Wednesday evening extinguishing a blaze in prefabs to the rear of the main building.

A telescopic platform was deployed to bring the fire under control.

"We were called to two incidents at Centrepoint on Wednesday afternoon. The first incident was at 1335 hrs with Portlaoise & Mountrath attending. The incident was closed at 1500 hrs.  

"The second call was received at 1700 hrs with Portlaoise & Mountmellick attending. A portacabin was on fire at the rear of the building. 2 fire appliances, a water tanker & hydraulic platform attended. The hydraulic platform was used to extinguish the fire. The incident was closed at 1915 hrs," said the fire service.

Gardai were also on duty.

The main building has been vandalised.

Despite being derelict, the complex is classed as an opportunity site by Laois County Council.

The Shaw family shut the centre during after Celtic Tiger. Its ownership is not now known.