Efforts continue to save historic Mayo building damaged in gas explosion
Traffic chaos is continuing in Castlebar as efforts continue to find a solution for a building damaged in a gas explosion.
A section of Lower Charles Street has been closed to traffic since the incident on the night of January 27.
The explosion at the Imperial Blue restaurant, formerly known as Tulsi, left two restaurant workers requiring hospital treatment.
The blast occurred at the rear of the restaurant which is also a popular takeaway. There were no customers in the building at the time.
The roof was severely damaged by the explosion. There were reports that the roof was lifted off by the force of the blast before dropping back down and causing further structural damage.
It is hoped that remediation efforts may save the building’s historic front façade.
“The building owner has hired a contractor, and work has started, including removing the roof. I’m told the front façade must be propped up immediately, to prioritise reopening the road and to protect the building’s heritage features,” said Independent Cllr Harry Barrett. “The council will continue working with the owner and open the road when the structure is stable and safe,” he added.
The road closure has caused huge traffic issues in the county town. There have been long backlogs at busy periods as traffic flow is severely impacted.
“A solution must be found. This can’t continue for very much longer. There is absolute traffic chaos in the town,” Independent Cllr Michael Kilcoyne told the .
