Kilkelly street to reopen two weeks after pub collapse

The Kilkelly main street is expected to open on Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday at the latest. 

The re-opening comes two weeks after the collapse of a pub premises on the street. Three adults and two children were hospitalised when Duffy’s Pub building gave way at about 8.45am on Tuesday, October 31.

Fortunately, none of the people who were in the building at the time were seriously injured and, miraculously, there was nobody walking past at the time of the collapse. The five people inside the building were staying in an Airbnb over the pub.

Gardaí and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) are conducting separate investigations into the incident.

It is understood the investigations will focus on a number of factors, including the work that had been taking place on a site adjacent to Duffy’s Pub, which led to the demolition of an adjoining building.

Local Fianna Fáil councillor John Caufield said yesterday (Monday) it is important to ensure the investigations are completed but there is relief the road is being reopened.

“The street will remain closed until at least Tuesday but definitely by Wednesday it should be open again. Every effort is being made with the HSA, Mayo County Council and all parties involved,” he added.

Cllr Caulfield said the road through the main street is usually very busy and the traffic diversions have created a lot of inconvenience for locals and residents during the past fortnight. However, only one lane of traffic will be open for the foreseeable future.

“It will be one lane because the HSA, who have responsibility for health and safety, have said there should only be one lane with traffic lights for now,” he explained. “But the re-opening is good news for the businesses that they can get back to normal and there will be relief for them and for the many people who pass through the town.”