BREAKING: Kildare's newest pub won't open in time for St Patrick's weekend
The Kildare premises was damaged in a deliberate fire - six years ago to the day
The much anticipated reopening of The Forge Inn pub at South Main Street, Naas, won't happen this weekend.
It had been expected that the hostelry would open in time for St Patrick's weekend - but final clearance from Kildare County Council will not now materialise until early next week at least.
"It's a little disappointing. I would have liked to have it open but we will just have to wait for the final go ahead, hopefully it will be next week now and I'm looking forward to it," proprietor Ger Roche told Kildare Now.
Kildare County Council is obliged to observe strict regulations surrounding public premises.
The premises has been extensively renovated.
The building has not been occupied for some time and it is part of the Naas Shopping Centre or Naas Plaza, as it has been renamed.
The pub was extensively damaged in a fire which broke out six years ago to the very day.