Traffic restrictions around Shamrock Plaza to remain for coming weeks
The derelict buildings at the top of Barrack Street that are scheduled to be demolished
Traffic restrictions are due to continue in the coming week around Shamrock Plaza in Carlow town as Carlow County Council arranges to demolish two buildings at risk of “imminent collapse.”
“From my point of view, I’d much rather have a bit of traffic disruption in the town centre than have that building fall on a child walking to school or on a car with a family in it”, said Coilín O’Reilly, chief executive of Carlow County Council, on KCLR this morning.
A spokesperson for the council explained “The buildings are being demolished in the interest of public safety following the issuance of a Dangerous Structures Notice on the Building.
“A structural engineer has been engaged and assessments continue to be carried on the building to determine the next steps required to render the area safe. We are currently developing a plan on the safest way to demolish the building.” Mr O’Reilly said on KCLR this morning that the property was privately owned, and that the owners did not respond to the council’s warnings about the buildings, which were issued after some masonry came off the building in early October.
The dangerous Shamrock Square properties are the two former shops facing the road at the top of Barrack Street, although the property extends further backwards.
“Carlow County Council are working as quickly as possible to resolve this issue and apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the co-operation of the public during this period of essential safety works. Further information on timelines will be communicated as the information becomes available”, said the spokesperson.
The council declined to comment on whether the properties would be compulsorily purchased from the owner and the site reused for housing.
- Right Turn lanes have been closed at Shamrock Square. No access to Upper Tullow Street at this junction when travelling from either Green lane or Staplestown Road and no access to Staplestown Road when travelling from Barrack Street. Diversions are in place.
- Traffic on Upper Tullow Street may only turn left or travel straight at the Junction of Shamrock Square and travel in the direction of Green Lane or Staplestown Road, No Right Turn onto Barrack Street. Diversions are in place.
- The Traffic lights are working and all road users should obey the traffic signals.
- The pedestrian crossings on Staplestown Road and Green lane are closed. Please obey footpath closed signage and barriers. Pedestrian movement is only via Pedestrian crossing on Barrack Street and Upper Tullow street. No pedestrians are permitted to access the fenced off area or enter the road carriage way.
- The public is advised to follow all on-site signage and obey the traffic light signals.
