The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has confirmed it halted demolition work on one of the Ballymun towers because the developers failed to prove that asbestos had been properly removed.

Prohibition orders were issued to Ballymun Regeneration Limited (BRL) and Dublin Demolition, the company that is carrying out the work on its behalf.

Work on the tower cannot proceed until BRL carries out a 'type three' survey and the HSA is satisfied that all safety standards have been met.

The lack of a 'type three' survey is regarded as a serious offence because of the danger that asbestos presents to the public.

This is the second time the HSA has issued a prohibition order to stop work on the tower.

In March, work to convert the tower into a temporary hotel was halted when the HSA discovered that certain safety standards were not being met.