Derelict sites

‘THE NUMBER OF DERELICT BUILDINGS IN SOME AREAS IS A DISGRACE’

register and it is likely that a further two will be removed shortly,” said Ms Donovan.

She said penalty levies had been issued on ten properties, two are in the hands of the county solicitor and the authority was seeking a resolution with the owners of another four properties. Ms Donovan said that resolutions had also been agreed with the owners of properties that had been on the register for a number of years.

Ms Donovan said the number of 26 properties did sound short and the authority was aware there were “a lot more” properties out there in poor condition.

“In addition to those properties noted on the register, work continues on investigation and trying to combat dereliction and dangerous structures through resolution on an ongoing basis,” said Ms Donovan.

“We will move to take action on these as soon as possible,” she added.

Joining the debate Cllr Timmy Collins (Ind) said the number of derelict buildings in some areas was “a disgrace” asking if it would be possible for the council to take them in charge.

Ms Donovan said while the council could serve notice on the owners of buildings, it did not have the resources at its disposal to repair them.

“There has to be a balance between what we go into debt for and when we will get that money back. It is not our job to repair buildings for owners.”

She did point out that the imposition of levies on some properties had “brought their owners out of the woodwork” and resulted in them taking action to repair buildings.

“However, members will be aware of the difficult and slow nature of implementing the derelict sites act and in particular the difficulty in identifying responsible registered owner,” said Ms Donovan.

“You will also face a lot of owners who not comply and may not even answer the notifications we send them,” she added.

Cllr Melissa Mullane (SF) suggested