Take needed action or this old building could collapse
A 17TH-CENTURY building in Sligo town could collapse if necessary actions aren’t taken to preserve it, a councillor has claimed.
Independent councillor Declan Bree said that the building, a three-storey stone structure on Lower Quay Street, was placed on the Protected Structures List four years ago but has fallen into a further state of decay since.
Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the Borough District of Sligo, Cllr Bree said: “Concern has been expressed about the condition of the building which certainly has deteriorated significantly since the building was listed by the Council in 2017.
“An owner or occupier of a protected structure is legally required to make sure that the structure does not become endangered through neglect, decay, damage or harm.
“If for any reason a protected structure becomes endangered the council has an obligation to intervene to prevent it becoming endangered.”
He went on to explain that the building has historical merit as, according to Dr Fióna Gallagher, it is one of the last examples of vernacular housing of the industrial-seaport period of Sligo which lasted from the 1750s until the end of World War I.
“In this context it is important that the council takes the necessary action to ensure its protection,” he said. Acting director of services Emer Concannon said that the building is owned by “two parties” and efforts have been made to bring relevant heritage grants to their attention.
She also said that some remedial works were being carried out in early 2020 but were disrupted by the Covid19 pandemic.
She added that steps are now being taken to place the building on a derelict sites register.
“Clearly the building has deteriorated since the last inspection took place,” Cllr Bree responded. “I appreciate restrictions halted any work but now that they are lifting I expect the owners to take the necessary steps. If no action is taken that structure could collapse.”