‘Huge potential’ for housing at Kazelin building
OPTIONS for the re-opening of Kazelin in Finisklin for social housing purposes are being explored, a Sligo County Council meeting was told.
Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady had a motion at Monday’s meeting of the council requesting an update on the premises which has not been in use for 12 years.
Cllr O’Grady said that she was under the impression that the property “fell under the Sligo Borough Council” before adding there is “great need” for a premises like this to be re-opened in a county which needs more social housing options.
Cllr Arthur Gibbons said that the
Department of Justice originally had the building and proposed that the ownership status be presented in writing at the next monthly meeting.
Cllr Sinéad Maguire said that she supported the re-opening of Kazelin as it has “huge potential for people who are in need of assistance”.
Joe Murphy, senior executive officer for housing with Sligo County Council, confirmed that the council is actively looking into the property which needs major refurbishment and also clarified its ownership status. He said: “The council, as previously advised to the members, has been actively exploring a number of options over the last number of years to have the property put back into use by an approved housing body. There are ongoing discussions with both the department of housing and an approved housing body with regard to the future use of this building for social housing purposes.
“This building has been vacant since November 2008 and is in need of major refurbishment. The building remains in the ownership of Finisklin Housing Association Ltd.”