Repairs works have begun at the former Drogheda Council chambers, which were ravaged by a fire earlier this year.

A temporary roof has now been installed at the building which was seriously damaged during the January blaze.

The 100-year-old site formally housed the council chambers and the borough's housing and planning officers.

Soon after the fire, council staff were on site in an attempt to rescue planning files from the charred building.

An ancient bell tower was carefully removed weeks later, and has been stored safely until the restoration works get fully underway.

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Last week a temporary roof was placed on the historic structure.

"The temporary roof has gone on, the internal section of that building will be cleaned out shortly and we are awaiting a structural report on the condition of the building itself," said Town Clerk Des Foley.

He said the structural report would provide a better idea of the overall condition of the building, and help the council to decide on the long term future of the council.

"It is a matter of assessing the situation now. The building itself has been made safe but just in terms of long term plans it's a matter of 'wait and see' when we get the structural report," he said.

Mr Foley said it could take up to two years before any permanent accommodation for the council is completed.

"That is the timeframe we are working to at the moment," he said.

"When we have the structural report that will guide us as to what the future plans will be in terms of new office accommodation and the council chamber." added Mr Foley.

(PR/JM)