CONCERN that one or a number of buildings located in the area designated to the stalled Opera Centre might collapse on to a street, has been voiced by Cllr Joe Leddin, who has called on Limerick City Council to instigate an inspection of all the buildings included in the original proposed development. Pointing out that many of the buildings are over 100 years old and have not been occupied for many years, the Labour councillor said that many front on to streets with high levels of pedestrian traffic.
“We certainly don’t want a repeat of what happened in Cork a few years ago when a disused building collapsed on to the street killing an innocent person,” he said.
“Because these buildings are not currently being used for either residential or commercial use there is a greater danger that they will deteriorate at a faster pace, leading to possible structural concerns and safety issues, and as the city council is the local statutory agency with responsibility for planning and building control, we must carry out a complete structural and safety audit without delay.
“Once this report is completed we can consider its findings and formally instruct the owners to comply with the recommendations made, so as to ensure that no member of the public is in any way in danger from walking close to the buildings involved”.
Cllr Leddin has been informed that the City Hall management have had a number of discussions with the owners of the site.
“The sooner we consider and agree alternative options for this site – such as a city centre transport hub for cars and buses, the better”.
