Cllr warns High Street buildings could suffer ‘domino effect’ if specialist engineers are not brought in to review sites

A LOCAL Councillor has warned of a “domino” effect on buildings coming down on the High Street if specialist engineers are not brought in to look at the properties.

Derelict buildings on the High Street has long been an issue with a number of serious safety concerns being raised over the state of some of the buildings on what is rapidly becoming known as the most derelict street in Sligo.

Despite ‘strengthening work' being carried out, local residents have feared that some of the derelict property are a major hazard which could prove to be disastrous if something is not done about it soon.

Speaking on Ocean FM, Cllr Bree said: “One building in particular – number nine, High Street – in my opinion will have to be demolished.

“If that comes down, number eight will also have to come down and if that comes down, will the others fall as part of a domino effect? That's where specialist engineering skills will be required.

“Many people may not be aware that the buildings all along High Street, Castle Street, Teeling Street and Market Street are in a designated architectural conservation area.

“The area is one of the oldest in town and it contains many historical features.

“We were told at our meeting at the Council that the Council was obliged to engage the service of an architectural conservation specialist and a conservation engineer to assist and provide guidance on the best way forward.

“In an update that we received last week, traders and business people at the street were advised that a final construction and specialist report was received and was in the process of being considered by Council engineering staff.

“There was an expectation that there would be a submission from the former developer of the property a couple of weeks back.

“But to date, that hasn't been submitted.

“At this stage, there are proposals for another meeting between the traders and the Council engineering staff later this month to further consider matters.

“We're all becoming more and more frustrated at the ongoing delay. This has to be dealt with as a matter of urgency.”