AN EXPLOSION at the National Gallery was narrowly averted after industrial bins, which lay directly beneath gas pipelines, were set on fire by vandals.

The incident, which is under investigation by the gardaí, led to the dismissal of a private security worker at the museum, it has emerged.

Sources at the National Gallery said a serious explosion was narrowly avoided when the fires in two large industrial bins were extinguished by local fire brigade units.

The incident took place during Hallowe'en week and was the latest in a series of fires that had been maliciously lit at the complex in preceding months.

Staff at the National Gallery said they had previously raised the issue of the industrial bins, claiming they were not secure and stored too close to the gas lines.

A source said: "The whole place could have blown – you could have been dealing with significant damage to the Millennium Wing of the National Gallery and adjoining buildings.

"It caused a major alert and an investigation is underway at Pearse Street garda station."

The National Gallery said it was not prepared to comment on the incident or the subsequent dismissal of a security worker, who worked nights for a private security company at the complex.

A statement said: "Incidents which have possible implications for the security and safety of the gallery's collection are routinely brought to the attention of the garda authorities.

"The gallery is not in a position to comment on the details of any particular incident including this one, and it does not, as a matter of policy, comment on security or personnel issues."

A major dispute with staff is also underway at the National Gallery, it has emerged.

Relations with management have soured significantly over the unauthorised hanging of nude portraits of Brian Cowen earlier this year.

Attendants at the gallery have been split into two separate groups, with only one group allowed access to security control rooms.

The remaining staff members are left sitting in galleries and were told that a garda security report had recommended as few people as possible be allowed access to high-security areas.

A moratorium on recruitment has also seen staff numbers fall and attendants now fear their duties will eventually be contracted out.

The case is due to be heard before the Labour Court next year.