‘Corrective action’ need to be taken on derelict sites

Austin Garvin

The ongoing issue of the problem of derelict sites received another airing at last week’s meeting of the Claremorris Municipal District.
Cllr John Cribbin requested a breakdown of the number of such sites in the Municipal District area. Cllr Damien Ryan joined Cllr Cribbin in asking that the sites and locations be circulated.
Mr Padraic Flanagan, Head of the Municipal District, delivered a breakdown as follows; twelve sites in Ballinrobe, five in Ballyhaunis, there are two each in Claremorris and Shrule, with one each in Kilkelly, Kilmaine and Knock - 24 in total.
Cllr Ryan felt ‘corrective action’ was needed as regards the owners of the sites, “Are we pursuing any of them? We need to take corrective action. Are any being taken in charge by the local authority?” he enquired.
Mr Flanagan informed the meeting that ten had been levied in Ballinrobe, with two others being considered for compulsory purchase.
He clarified the method of levying the owners, stating that they used a valuation of 3 percent of the site for each year it was derelict.
Cllr Patsy O’Brien supported the other two councillors and noted there were more derelict sites in Ballinrobe than anywhere else.
Cllr Richard Finn cautioned against taking legal proceedings against the owners. “We should take our time as regards taking legal proceedings. Give the owners an opportunity to put their affairs in order due to what they have gone through. Before taking legal proceedings every avenue should be gone through,” he added.