Health and Safety Authority secures High Court order prohibiting works at high-risk construction site in Kilcock, Co. Kildare 

Wednesday 16th July 2025

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has today (Wednesday 16th July) secured (on consent of the owner) a High Court order under Section 71 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, resulting in the immediate prohibition of the use of a construction site located at Bridge Street, Kilcock, Co. Kildare, until certain specified measures have been taken to reduce the serious risk to the safety, health and welfare of persons at the site.  

This legal action follows an extensive investigation by HSA inspectors, who uncovered risks to the safety, health and welfare of workers on site that were so serious that it was necessary to apply to the High Court for an order prohibiting the use of the site as a place of work. 

“This is not a step we take lightly,”

said Mark Cullen, Interim CEO of the Health and Safety Authority.

“But where there is clear, ongoing danger to workers’ lives, we are legally and morally compelled to act. This court-ordered closure is necessary to reduce the risk of injury, or worse.” 

The Authority stressed that the use of Section 71 powers - involving the High Court - is reserved only for the most serious breaches of health and safety law. 

“This should serve as a caution to all duty holders,”

 Mr. Cullen added.

“Compliance with health and safety regulations is not optional. The HSA will not hesitate to use the full extent of our enforcement powers to protect lives.”

The site will remain closed indefinitely until all identified risks are fully addressed and compliance is independently verified by the HSA. 

The HSA continues to urge all employers and duty holders to proactively manage their health and safety practices, and ensure that the safety, health and welfare of workers and those affected by work activity is a key priority in all work activity.