Gardaí in Longford are to examine a cathedral in the town that was destroyed by fire on Christmas Eve.

The investigation has been delayed until now, due to concerns that parts of the windows and walls within St Mel’s Cathedral could collapse.

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Due to the size of the building, it is unclear how long the examination will take.

Gardaí are using a 60m-high crane with a safety cage to allow forensic experts examine the ruins. However, they declined to comment on local speculation that the fire may have started in a boiler area at the back of the altar.

St Mel's Crosier, which was over 1000 years old, was the most significant historical artefact burned in the fire.

(NS/GK)