Yesterday’s order, under section 71 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, was granted with consent of the owner of the site on Bridge Street, the HSA said.

It immediately prohibits the use of the construction site 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.

Mark Cullen, interim CEO of the HSA, said: “This is not a step we take lightly — 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 use of section 71 powers involving the High Court is reserved only for the most serious breaches of health and safety law.

Mr Cullen said: “This should serve as a caution to all duty holders. 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.