Local Councils Urgently Target Derelict Buildings Across Ireland

URGENT UPDATE: Local councils in Ireland are ramping up efforts to tackle the housing crisis by targeting derelict buildings. Just this month, Meath County Council and Kildare County Council have filed applications to acquire two vacant properties under the Compulsory Housing Acquisition Act, marking a critical step in addressing the nation’s urgent housing needs.

According to the latest Geodirectory report, there are currently 19,821 derelict houses across Ireland, a slight decrease of 2.9% from last year. However, the situation remains dire, particularly in counties Mayo, Donegal, and Galway, where the highest numbers of abandoned properties are recorded. This ongoing issue is a pressing concern for local authorities as they strive to increase housing availability.

On August 14, 2023, Meath County Council applied to the planning commission to acquire a derelict former petrol station near Navan, valued at €600,000. This site has been on the council’s Derelict Sites Register since March, and inspections have deemed it “unsightly and neglected,” detracting from the neighborhood’s character. Its owners, Edward and John Cunningham, have objected to the acquisition, claiming the site was historically significant and that a compulsory purchase would significantly undervalue the property.

In a compelling twist, Edward Cunningham described how the business, once thriving and employing over 30 people, suffered after road closures initiated by the council disrupted operations. He argues that the property has not been allowed to decay and insists that the council’s assertion of dereliction is unfounded. The council maintains that without intervention, the site will remain derelict for years to come.

Meanwhile, Kildare County Council submitted its own application on August 18, 2023, to acquire two derelict properties on Abbey Road, Naas. The owner, John Hipwell, has objected, citing previous planning permissions for redevelopment. He claims he is actively seeking to sell the properties but has faced challenges in finding a builder for redevelopment. The situation has led to ongoing negotiations between Hipwell and the council, which have yet to reach a successful resolution.

These efforts come as the heritage group An Taisce accuses Dublin City Council of failing to register prominent derelict sites, highlighting a broader issue of neglect in urban areas. With ongoing pressure to tackle the housing crisis, local councils are under increasing scrutiny to act decisively on derelict properties.

As these developments unfold, the local authorities are expected to continue their push for compulsory acquisitions to reintegrate these properties into the housing market. The upcoming months will be crucial as councils evaluate their strategies and respond to objections from property owners.

Stay tuned for more updates as councils work to transform vacant buildings into livable homes, a vital step in alleviating Ireland’s housing shortage.