Fears that old buildings in Sligo town centre may be structurally unsound

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Concerns were expressed this week with regard to the condition of several buildings in the centre of Sligo may not be structurally sound.

which The buildings are on the council’s list of Protected Structures at Quay Street and High Street.

Addressing the monthly meeting of the Borough District of Sligo. Cllr Declan Bree stated his concerns had not been alleviated saying, “While I welcome the report I have received from the Director of Services I note that there is no assurance that the structures are in a safe condition, structurally sound and not endangered. I would ask that this matter be addressed at the soonest possible time.”

Cllr Bree added, “An owner or occupier of a protected structure is legally required to make sure that the structure does not become endangered through neglect, decay, damage or harm.”

In his motion before the monthly meeting, Cllr Declan Bree had called for an update, “To ask what steps the Council has taken to preserve the three-story stone house, located in Lower Quay Street, Sligo and numbers 16 and 17 High Street. All three structures are included in the Council’s list of Protected Structures and can the meeting be assured that the Council executive is confident that all three structures are in a safe condition, structurally sound and not endangered.” Giving some background to the buildings, Cllr Bree explained, “Due to lack of progress in terms of protecting the structure in Lower Quay Street the Council was obliged to use compulsory purchase powers to acquire the building. I also note that the Council is now in the process of purchasing 16 and 17 High Street.

“The three story stone structure in Lower Quay Street is unique. The evidence available indicates that it is a very rare survival from the early days of Sligo’s maritime trading history.

“From what we know the building in all probability was constructed on the walls of the old late 17th century quay and has many merits from a historical and social aspect and though much dilapidated today it is an important part of Sligo’s built heritage.

“According to the eminent Sligo historian Dr Fiona Gallagher, the building is one of the last remnants of, and a fine example of, vernacular housing of the industrial-seaport period, an era which began in Sligo in the 1750’s and lasted until the end of World War 1.

“There has been growing concern about the condition of the building which certainly has deteriorated significantly since it was listed by the Council in 2017.”

“16 and 17 High Street were originally one building and share the same roof. The structure has historic significance. Experts point out that it has an intact original butt-purlin roof structure and gable roofed staircase projection in the centre of the rear elevation.

“It is considered one of the oldest roofed buildings in Sligo, dating back to the 17th century. It would probably have been constructed as a merchants house during the period of the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland.”