Kerry hotel remains closed after gas explosion

A landmark hotel in Killarney, Co Kerry, has still not reopened after being damaged a month ago by a fatal gas explosion nearby.

The International Hotel was one of several buildings caught in the force of a huge blast which demolished a launderette and killed its owner, local businessman James Gleeson, aged 59.

Nobody was available for comment at the 90-bedroom town centre hotel yesterday. However, it is understood the hotel could be closed for some months. Killarney is enjoying a busy tourist season and the hotel is losing heavily on trade.

The late Mr Gleeson’s launderette was located in Brewery Lane, which links the Square and Kenmare Place, where the Killarney jarvey stand is sited.

Several of the premises damaged in the Jul 13 explosion were back in business within a few days. However, Brewery Lane is still sealed off and a Spar supermarket, owned by Mr Gleeson’s brother Donagh, has not reopened.

Around 30 of the 83 staff in the International Hotel have been retained, Bookings have been transferred to other hotels in the area.

CCTV footage has shown two people walked in opposite directions through Brewery Lane a minute or two before the explosion at around 6.30am.

It is believed the blast occurred just after Mr Gleeson arrived for work at the launderette. Gas containers were found on the site of the launderette.

Affected owners estimate that total reconstruction costs could be in the region of e6m or more, and claims are being lodged with insurance companies.

The Health and Safety Authority is still carrying out its investigation and the Kerry fire service is carrying out inspections focusing on areas where liquefied petroleum gas is stored.

Owners are also being given information on safety procedures.