Londonderry factory to be demolished amidst collapse fears.
The Department of Environment has approved the demolition of a former shirt factory in Londonderry, amid fears the building could collapse.
Hamilton Shirt Factory, close to the Craigavon Bridge, will be felled once Derry City Council endorses the approval notice.
It is one of the city’s oldest buildings, but there have been health and safety concerns after three internal floors of the premises collapsed at the weekend – prompting nearby roads to be closed to traffic.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood said he has “no real choice” but to demolish it. “No-one likes to see an old building, especially one which was part of the fabric and rich heritage of Derry go – but we have no real choice here. While I recognise that this is a building in a conservation area, the safety of the public and the ability of the public to go about their business is paramount. I therefore endorse this decision on health and safety grounds. But we must act quickly now to protect the welfare and safety of people and remain highly vigilant on this to ensure that happens.”
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