A 19th-century cottage on one of Killarney's major tourist roads has been demolished by builders who were carrying out extensions to the property.The cottage, which was built in the early 1800s, is said to have been of historical significance.
Spokespersons for both the builders and Killarney Town Council said that Bunrower House, on the way to Ross Castle, became "unstable and unsafe" while work was being undertaken last week on a section of the building which had been renovated in the 1960s.
The original chimney, a feature of the cottage, had posed particular problems, according to a spokesman for the builders.
The demolition has angered local people.
"Planning permission was sought some time ago to demolish Bunrower House and build apartments in its place. However, the residents' association, of which I was chairman, objected and the application was refused," said Mr Denis O'Leary.
Killarney Town Council granted a fresh application, the terms of which specified that the existing cottage had to be retained as part of a terrace of three houses with apartments at the rear.
Cllr Sheila Dickson said that Bunrower House was a "landmark" in Killarney. As a condition of the planning permission which had been granted, the owners were to retain and renovate the 19th-century building, and this assurance formed part of the application.
"Serious questions have to be asked about how this building became unsafe," Cllr Dickson said.
Bunrower House changed ownership recently.
According to Killarney Town Council, Bunrower House was not a listed building. But the town clerk, Mr Michael O'Leary, said that the council would be insisting that the house be restored. "We want to see it back as it was," he added.
The builders/architects had contacted the planning department and the senior planner, Ms Fiona Galvin, had made an inspection before the workmen demolished the building, Mr O'Leary said.