Ard Dealgan resolution a step closer

LOUTH County Council have moved to take over the controversial Ard Dealgan apartments at Quay Street after they posted a notice advertising their intention to carry out a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) at the site on Monday.

The apartment block, built by developer Tom McFeeley, were abandoned after serious fire safety concerns were raised. Since then, they have become a magnet for anti social behaviour and have been set on fire a number of times already this year.

Sinn Fein councillor Jennifer Green has led protests at the complex to highlight the anti social behaviour at the site which has dismayed local residents and has urged the council to take the lead in getting the problem sorted out.

The CPO advertised by the council means that the owners of the complex will be written to and have a number of weeks to object to the process. In the event of objections being received, the matter will be dealt with by An Bord Pleanala who will conduct an oral hearing into the issue.

If there is no objections, the council will move to purchase the block and it is understood that housing association, Tuath, are ready to step in with plans to turn the abandoned complex into around 35 family homes.

It was revealed earlier this summer that Tuath were in early-stage negotiations with the council about developing the site. At the time, the housing association said: ‘ This process is a complex one with a number of hurdles to be overcome before new homes will be provided at this location. The Council and Túath are committed to this project’.

Louth County Council officials have already told councillors that they are keen to get new homes constructed on the site.