Albatros owners criticised over inaction

THE Albatros site owners came in for criticism from officials for failing to carry out any works on the eyesore in recent times.

New Ross District Director Eamonn Hore said all studies show that the owners have cleared the asbestos from the site.

‘We carried out tests and they were all perfect. They claimed to have spent almost €1m in properly disposing of the asbestos. The owners have fallen a little behind in the assurances he gave us. He was supposed to apply to Kilkenny County Council to demolish the building.’

Mr Hore said with the bypass happening and the eyesore standing along it, work needs to start.

The bypass liaison officer Sean Dobbs has been asked if concrete from the old buildings - once they are demolished - can be used as topping material on the bypass and talks are under way with bypass builders BAM Iridium to this effect.

‘ There are significant costs involved in demolishing the building. A huge building remains on the Kilkenny side.’

Director of Services with Kilkenny County Council, Mary Mulholland said she wants to meet the company director Matt Jennings. Cllr John Fleming asked what the future plans for the site are ‘as it’s a fine commercial site’.

Mr Hore said the value of the Albatros site was €14m during the Celtic Tiger, but a later valuation stood at closer to €1.5m.

He expressed doubt that the site would be developed for office or retail space, but said it would be ideal for a business park.

Cllr Oisin O’Connell asked if it is likely that the eyesore buildings will be knocked before the bypass opens in late 2018 or early 2019 and was told by Mr Hore that it won’t unless pressure is applied on the company by Wexford County Council under the Derelict Sites Act.

Mr Hore said the company’s budgetary process begins in October ‘so we should be doing something (about this) now).’

Cllr Tomás Breathnach said a new vision for New Ross town and the Albatros area is needed.