New photo shows west Sligo landmark now in serious danger of collapse if no action is taken
IT is feared that a landmark could collapse over the next year if the council don’t act now to save it. Templeview House in Easkey has been left to ruin over a number of years with the elements – combined with no restoration work – has seen the building fall into various states of dereliction. However, the condition of Templeview has gotten worse with half of the roof looking to be on the verge of crashing to the ground. David Hicks, the author of “Irish Country Houses – A Chronicle Of Change”, warns that Templeview’s future could be perilous if action is not taken. He said: “It is unbelievable the amount of deterioration that has taken place at Templeview over the last six months. With what remains of the roof, I’d say the rest of the building will be lucky to last another year.
“Sligo County Council could do something such as engaging with the owner.
“There is also the case with what happened with Millbrook House in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois.
“The mansion there was bought in good condition by some individuals who just left it over a period of two years with the building gradually becoming derelict.
“Laois County County used a compulsory purchase order to buy the building from the people who had let the building become derelict.
“They then sold it to a third party who are currently restoring the house now.”
Hicks also warned that time is of the essence as a chain reaction could lead to the beginning of the end for Templeview if more damage to the House occurs.
“I think that in this situation,” he added, “we’re now looking at Templeview House falling down. Templeview has a great backstory in terms of its history.
“However, the condition of the house now, if Sligo County Council don’t act soon, the gable of that house will collapse and then start a chain reaction that will pull down a lot of the house.
“If the gable falls, then that will pull one of the chimneys down, it will bring more of the roof down.
“It is kind of pitiful that Sligo County Council won’t even complete some emergency work and try to secure (the foundations of the house) for now. I get the impression that the house is more of a liability to them.
“I contacted the Council via email in July of last year and followed it up with a phone call. However, I never heard back from the conservation officer.
“The conservation officers do have certain powers but is there a reason why they don’t exercise them? Templeview House is supposedly a protected structure.
“What I can’t figure out is why the house is not being looked after – that’s what protected means.” The Sligo Weekender twice contacted Sligo County Council in regard to Templeview House. However, as we went to press, the Council had yet to respond.