Fire at derelict Mayo building earmarked for housing project
Emergency services have brought a fire under control that broke out at a derelict building in Ballina.
The fire started just after 9pm on Monday, July 21, on Kevin Barry Street located across the road from the Bus Éireann station.
The site had been allocated for a major housing development plan by Mayo County Council, with Ballina councillors granting a part eight, the process used by councillors to approve local authority developments, at their meeting last week.
Emergency services responded quickly, and the fire was later reported to have been contained.
A local witness was driving home to Attymass from Sligo at the time, and said he smelt smoke coming in through his car window.
“I saw the smoke from the other side of the bridge, I was driving past Ballina Cathedral and I saw smoke coming along Church Road. I could see it in the distance and it was very obvious. I couldn’t see any flames, just a lot of smoke. The smell filled my car.”
Photo of the blaze on Kevin Barry Street. Photo: Courtesy of Senator Mark Duffy
The proposed development was due to consist of three, three-bed units; 14 two-bed units; and 14 one-bed units within two three-storey apartment blocks and one two-storey block. It also included the refurbishment of three existing terraced houses located on 5-7 Raheen Row.
The plans included access from Kevin Barry Street and James Connolly Street. It featured all associated site development works such as footpaths, cycle lanes, parking, public lighting and a communal green space.
Senator Mark Duffy, from Ballina, said to the Irish Independent: “It’s a pity because it may delay the building of the houses planned there.”
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme