The roads surrounding the scene of a fire at a disused factory in Carlow town have now reopened.

The fire at the disused Armor Salmon/Erin Foods factory beside Dr Cullen Park broke out at around 4.30pm yesterday afternoon.

Residents in the area were warned to stay indoors for a time last night, while emergency services tackled the blaze because it was feared the building contained asbestos, which is highly toxic.

Crews from Bagenalstown and Carlow fire service brought the blaze under control at around 11pm last night.

Smoke has now dissipated over the town but the fire service remain at the scene.

The scene has been preserved and specialists from the Environmental Protection Agency will carry out an investigation today

As a precaution, residents are asked not to open their windows unnecessarily.

The cause of the fire is not yet know but an investigation is underway.