'It doesn't look nice for the main street - it is absolutely horrible:' Cllr calls for barriers in Ardee to be moved

A derelict building in Ardee has been boarded up and cordoned off for almost a year. Safety barriers installed around the structure are affecting customers of a nearby coffee shop and pedestrians on the main street footpath. The barriers create difficulties for people with prams and for people with disabilities. The councillor says the barriers make the main street look poor and asks the council to reassess their placement. She suggests moving the barriers slightly to free up the footpath and improve parking access, while keeping public safety protected. The council director said dangerous buildings are managed through the planning section and offered to review details and investigate the issue.

"“It's going on a while now, nearly a year,” said Cllr Minogue, as she explained that the cafe's customers are navigating the barriers in order to get into the premises. She added that the barriers are also impacting on pedestrians using the footpath, which is causing problems for mothers with prams and people with disabilities."

"“It doesn't look nice for the main street, in fact it is absolutely horrible,” she said, appealing to the council to look again at the location of the barriers. Cllr Minogue called on council officials to revisit the positioning of the barriers, suggesting that a slight adjustment could significantly improve access while maintaining safety."

"“If they were moved further back it would free up the footpath and free up the parking spot outside those shops,” she said. She added: “We must remember these businesses pay our rates, I am asking if we could get the barriers closer to the base of the building.”"

"Director of Service, Thomas MCEvoy, said dangerous buildings are managed by the council's planning section. He said he would be happy to get the details of the building and look into the matter. “But, from a planning perspective, the safety of the public is paramount. Whatever measures we take are simply to prevent any danger to the public.”"

Read at Irish Independent