Fire at Ballina site set for major social housing development
A fire caused extensive damage at a derelic building in Ballina that had been earmarked for social housing by Mayo County Council yesterday evening.
The incident occurred on Kevin Barry Street at the property opposite the bus station with the fire breaking out shortly after 9pm. The street remains closed off to traffic this morning and diversions are in place.
Emergency services were alerted after the alarm was raised and the blaze was brought under control.
Gardaí are awaiting an engineer’s report in relation to the structure of the building to ensure it is stable and of no danger to passersby.
It is comprised of 3 three-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom units and 14 one-bedroom units consisting of 2 three-storey apartment blocks, 1 two-storey block and the refurbishment of the existing terrace at 5-7 Raheen Row.
Several of the one-bedroom units would have been earmarked for elderly residents.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.
