Owners ordered to take action

The owners of four derelict buildings on North Main Street will now be obligated to carry out works on the city centre structures.

City Hall is to give the owners of 62-65 North Main Street a Section 11 notice which means that under the Derelict Sites Act 1990, the local authority has the power to require that measures be taken in relation to a derelict site.

It comes as concerns about safety and pedestrian access have been expressed by members of the public and traders along the street.

Part of the footpath outside the buildings has been closed off to the public since last summer when there was a partial building collapse.

Hoarding currently surrounds the buildings which means pedestrians have to step off the footpath, while litter has been dumped inside the hoarding.

In a statement to the Cork Independent, the owners said that the safety of the public is paramount to them.

The statement added: “Our engineers are in constant contact with City Hall to resolve the issue.”
An official from City Hall confirmed that the Section 11 notice would be given after Green Party Cllr Dan Boyle asked for an update at a meeting on Monday.
He was told that Cork City Council is continuing to actively work on this matter with a view to remedying the issues raised by the local communities and traders as quickly as possible. 
David Joyce from the Roads and Environment Department at City Hall said: “This is a very complex issue and Cork City Council is utilising all of the various legislative tools at our disposal to resolve.”
Given the multifaceted and varied issues being addressed, the city council has brought together a grouping across all of the relevant directorates in order to fully and comprehensively address this situation in, what Mr Joyce said will be, a coherent and thorough manner. 
“We continue to work with those responsible for the building to remove the external building supports and internalise same within the footprint of the building. As soon as this work is complete the hoarding will be removed immediately and the footpath will become fully accessible again.”
The purpose of the hoarding in situ at present is to protect the public from the dangers posed by the external support structures. 
Without these structures being in place, the building would be in danger of collapse and would pose a significant danger.
Mr Joyce added: “Most recently works have been completed to improve the sightlines in the vicinity of the hoarding as well as repairs being carried out to the hoarding which had become damaged. 
“It is important to note that North Main Street remains open for business with all shops actively trading. The portion of the street which is inaccessible behind the hoarding represents a very small portion of the overall streetscape.”