Strong winds hamper efforts to stabilise burnt-out building on John Street in Kilkenny

Strong winds are hampering efforts to stabilise the burnt-out structure of the Bridge House on John Street in Kilkenny City.

Work to stabilise the front elevation of the building are ongoing. However, Kilkenny County Council says that difficulties have arisen in that a crane to support the timely completion of the works cannot be mobilised in the prevailing windy conditions.

"John Street will not be opened to through traffic until, at the earliest, late this afternoon/evening. Additionally any such opening is dependent on the satisfactory completion of the stabilisation works," said senior engineer Simon Walton.

"Huge efforts are being made to get the street open to through traffic as soon as possible."

Further updates will follow this afternoon.

Businesses on John Street are continuing to operate as normal. Pedestrian access to John Street is unaffected.

The major fire engulfed the historic Bridge House on John Street in Kilkenny yesterday morning around 8.30am.