Section 23 style idea could be key to survival

THE secretary of the Ship Street residents group feels that an investment plan - such as the previous Section 23 scheme - could be the spur to ultimately save the street.

A number of the homes are privately owned and need a lot of work, but the incentive of a proper scheme is something that should be explored Brendan O’Connell states.

‘For this, the intervention of Frank Godfrey and the group was vital in the work that has been done.

‘We are in the worst housing crisis since WWII and we have all these houses waiting to be restored.

‘ This street has huge potential,’ he stated.

While he wants to see the houses attracting families, he feels there is also an option for an artistic corner and crafts shops.

‘You can see in places around Europe what can be done with streets like Ship Street. There is a great interest in the historic value of places.’

He feels the council need to take a more pro-active attitude to Ship Street and bringing it back to its prime.

Carmel Collins holds pictures of her Grandparents Molly Matthews and James Kearney who lived on Ship Street.