Council falls short of CPO targets

Cork County Council has fallen well short of government-set targets to bring derelict properties back into use, as they initiated just six compulsory purchase orders (CPO) across the entire county in 2023. The local authority had been set a target of 30 properties in 2023 upon which they were to start the CPO process. Of the six they did start, three were completed - in Youghal, Milford and Ringaskiddy. The other three are with An Bord Pleanála after objections from the owner(s). These latter three are all in Bandon and include the former Kitty Crowley's Bar, as well as two other properties on the same street and adjoining the former bar.

Cork County Council have not initiated any CPOs so far in 2024 and none were pursued in 2022.

The process could be valuable in areas like Mitchelstown and Glanworth, where connections to the wastewater system are tenuous or impossible, as if the property is already historically connected then it avoids the limitations that are put on new buildings. Visually, the tackling of dereliction has undoubted social value to an urban or built-up community.

LIMERICK

Meanwhile, Limerick has been much more enthusiastic in pursuing the owners of derelict properties. While the council was set a target of 60 properties to CPO in 2023, they took action on 52 with another 29 ‘vesting orders’ issued. This includes two properties on Lower Main Street in Kilfinane, and another in The Square, Galbally, as well as others across the district.

So far in 2023, Limerick City and County Council has initiated the CPO process on another 14 properties and in 2022, took action on another 54.

The CPO Activation Programme was begun in April 2023 by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. A CPO is brought about when the owner of the run-down property hasn’t engaged to a degree which would allow the property to be sold on the private market or made use of for social housing.

CPO ACTIVATION PROGRAMME

The department did not state that there would be any penalties for local authorities who fail to meet their targets, but confirmed to The Avondhu this week that a report on the programme will be made by the end of June this year.

The department also pointed out the various schemes and initiatives that are available through them, including the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, the Repair and Leasing Scheme, the Buy and Renew Scheme, as well as certain planning exemptions.

The onus is on the owners of vacant and derelict properties to stop these properties either becoming or continuing to be derelict and work with the council; if they fail to do so, or can’t be found, local authorities can use legal powers to CPO these properties.

The Derelict Sites Act 1990 also imposes a duty on local authorities to take all reasonable steps to stop and prevent dereliction, including imposing fines or levies, and using their statutory powers.