CONCERNS OVER what is believed to be a rodent infestation at a derelict site have resulted in the temporary closure of Trinity Rooms nightclub in Limerick, where 50 people are employed.
The derelict area which is causing the problem is a site which was due to be developed as part of the stalled €300 million opera centre in Limerick.
A statement issued yesterday on behalf of the management of the nightclub said the matter was brought to the attention of Limerick City Council and the HSE last week and the nightclub voluntarily agreed to close the premises with immediate effect.
“We are fully satisfied that the Trinity Rooms is not the source of this problem but this in no way relieves us of our obligation to uphold best practice in health and safety standards for our staff and clientele,” the statement reads.
Management at Trinity Rooms said they had been raising concerns over the derelict site for 3½ years with Limerick City Council, and they were seeking for the site to be placed on the derelict sites registrar as a matter of urgency.
“In our latest communication to Limerick City Council as recently as May 30th last, we asked that the site be placed on the derelict sites registrar, which would force the property to be taken out of dereliction,” continued the statement. “We reiterate that this be done as a matter of urgency.
“This matter is having a grave impact on our business and the jobs of 50 people employed here, all of whom were temporarily laid off on Tuesday of last week with our voluntary closure.
“We regret this great inconvenience to our staff as well as to our loyal clientele.”
Limerick City Council said it was actively working towards getting the site developed with the site owners and the National Asset Management Agency, which has taken over loans on the property.