Opel Ireland has confirmed it is carrying out an investigation following a fire in a Zafira model car in Cork today.

The company says it has had complaints of 'thermal incidents' in the area of the heating and ventilation system some of its Zafira B model vehicles.

The model was launched in 2005, and does not include the current Zafira Tourer.

Opel says it will now work with authorities in Passage West in Cork to find out what caused the reported vehicle fire today.

The company says if any drivers are concerned about operating their vehicle or if they notice any unusual characteristics with the heating and ventilation system - such as a squeaking noise from the dashboard - they should contact their Opel dealer and arrange an inspection.

There will be no cost to have the vehicles inspected.

Opel has stressed that customer safety is their 'number one priority', adding "our investigations to date have found that a number of incidents have occurred due to previous repairs being performed improperly or using certain non-genuine parts".