Council upping ante on ‘eyesore’ Bus Eireann building as it looks to Derelict Sites Act

CORK County Council is upping the ante on a disused building in the town of Macroom which was been described as “an eye-sore.”

At a previous meeting of the Blarney-Macroom municipal district in March, councillors heard that the Bus Eireann building in Macroom is in a special area of conservation and planning permission is required before any works, such as demolition or otherwise can be carried out.

At the most recent meeting held on Friday, the Director of Services, Maurice Manning said CCC “intends to initiate proceedings under the Derelict Act.”

At the March meeting, councillors heard that ultimately it is up to Bus Eireann to discuss their proposals with the planning section of Cork County Council. At that meeting, Cllr Des O’Grady (SF) asked if anything could be done regarding the Special Area of Conservation as the building is not worth keeping and is holding up development. He said that in Mitchelstown the members had change the zoning.

At the March meeting, Mr Manning said this issue is between the planning department and Bus Eireann.

“To demolish it would not be acceptable. Bus Eireann need to agree with planning. They cannot demolish it but they have been advised to engage with their own architects and to come up with a plan,” he said.

Cllr Ted Lucey said that bus shelters are “the way to go.” He described the present building as “an eyesore.”

“This building is just left go into further decay,” he said.

Mr Manning said given the location and status of the Bus Eireann building it cannot be put on the derelict sites list as it is in a special area of conservation.

Des O’Grady (SF) suggested putting the building on the derelict sites list. Mr Manning said: “We can look at it under the Derelict Sites list.”

At the most recent meeting held on Friday, it now seems that CCC is taking the next step and will initiate proceedings under the Derelict Sites Act.