Tipperary arts centre car park to remain closed while council continue to assess fire damage

Work is still ongoing to repair the damage to the Thurles Library car park following a fire in September.

Councillor Jim Ryan said at this week’s sitting of Tipperary County Council that he understands the car park is still in ‘bad condition’ and remains closed.

He asked for an update on its reopening.

Director of Services for Director of Services for Economic, Community and Rural Development, Library/Cultural Services Brian Beck said it was a ‘significant fire’ despite the quick response of the fire service.

He said they are still assessing what needs to be done to repair the car park and what measures they will put in place to prevent it happening again.

THE FIRE

The fire happened on Friday, September 22, 2023. No injuries were reported. But the premises had to be evacuated, and the planned Cultural Night events were cancelled.

The fire caused damage to pipes, the car park entrance door, bins and the basement under the library and The Source Arts Centre.

Gardaí investigated the incident as an act of criminal damage.

A teenage girl was subsequently identified from CCTV, cautioned and placed under the supervision of a juvenile liaison officer.