Possible movement on derelict Fermoy premises
It is believed that there may be some movement regarding a derelict site located on Fermoy’s Patrick Street as hope has been sparked for the future of the former 59 Club.
The old Session Bar (59 Club) premises located at 59/61 Patrick Street has been registered and listed as a derelict site under the Fermoy MD Derelict Sites Register since 2005. Several locals have commented on its appearance, with the building regarded by many as an ‘eyesore’.
In 2020, barriers were erected around the premises, along with signs asking pedestrians to walk on the opposite footpath. According to a Cork County Council spokesperson at the time, the footpath in front of the site was cordoned off ‘in the interests of public safety’ and in anticipation of repairs to the building façade. These barriers still remain in place today.
PRIORITY APPLICATION
At the Fermoy Municipal District meeting which took place online last week, Councillor Noel McCarthy requested an update on the site, asking whether it is still ‘ in a safe condition’, as he claimed to have received multiple representations from members of the public regarding the matter.
Municipal District Officer, Pauline Moriarty responded to the query, stating that the former 59 Club in the town is a ‘priority application’ under the Derelict Sites.
“It is being treated as a priority and being monitored so there are no issues there currently,” Ms Moriarty said.
According to Cllr Frank O’Flynn, however, there may be movement on the site soon.
“I think there is movement there. I would agree with Cllr McCarthy it should be sorted out, but it is nice to know that there is interest in it,” Cllr O’Flynn said.
‘VOTE OF CONFIDENCE’
On the topic of derelict sites within the Fermoy MD, Cllr O’Flynn noted that there has been positive news regarding many vacant and derelict sites within the Fermoy MD catchment, with many having been purchased or acquired and subsequently refurbished, restored, and brought back into use.
“There’s quite a lot of sites in the past couple of weeks that have been acquired. Some are actually opened and some are being developed. It goes to show that there is a vote of confidence in Fermoy town going forward,” Cllr O’Flynn said.