The closure of Main Street in Killarney, as a result of debris falling from an upper floor of a building on to the pavement, will cause significant disruption to businesses and traffic flow, Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce has acknowledged.
But the business representative organisation stressed that public safety is the main concern.
Killarney Municipal District Council announced the immediate and indefinite closure of the street last Thursday due to significant safety concerns arising from potential structural issues on the building immediately adjacent to AIB.
The chamber said several pieces of plaster and brickwork detached from the building’s facade, prompting an immediate preliminary inspection which revealed potential stress fractures that require a more comprehensive assessment.
As a precautionary measure and to ensure the safety of pedestrians and businesses the decision was made to close Main Street until a full structural engineer’s report is obtained.
“We are working closely with the relevant authorities and the building’s owner to expedite the consultant engineer’s report,” said Chamber Executive member Anthony Walsh.
“We are hopeful that this report will be furnished as soon as possible, allowing us to determine the necessary steps for the building’s remediation and the subsequent reopening of Main Street,” he added.
In the meantime, all chamber members have been urged to communicate the closure to their customers through their websites, social media channels and any other relevant means.
They will also need to consider alternative access routes for deliveries and customer access, where possible.
“We are committed to working with Kerry County Council to resolve this situation and reopen Main Street as quickly and safely as possible,” Mr Walsh said.
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