Councillors approve derelict sites policy
Work is underway to purchase a derelict property in Cavan Town under the CPO (Compulsory Purchase Order) process
Councillors approved a new policy to deal with derelict sites across Cavan at the March meeting of the County Council.
Director of Services for Planning, Community and Economic Development, Brendan Jennings, said the document sets out the procedures to deal with such properties.
He says, going forward, the policy will be for the local authority to work with a property owner to bring a site back into use. “If that doesn’t work, then there are other powers, levies, CPO [compulsory purchase order] to bring about improvements.”
He said the policy “gives greater powers and guidance” to council staff but the process of dealing with dereliction takes time. Formal notices can be issued calling on an owner to carry out works, culminating in the council taking over the property, if no works are carried out.
He also confirmed that work is underway to purchase a derelict property in Cavan Town under the CPO (Compulsory Purchase Order) process.
The latest data held by the Department of Housing showed 23 properties listed on the derelict sites register in Cavan at the end of 2020.
Cllr John Paul Feeley (FF) welcomed the policy and acknowledged the work of the council to draw it up. “There has been a lot of engagement with the Department on extending the areas to more of the county.”
As it stands, only properties in certain areas can be considered derelict.
Cllr Feeley said he hoped the policy would allow for an improvement but he said some landowners have “played ducks and drakes” with the council on the issue.
Cllr TP O’Reilly (FG) welcomed the “carrot rather than the stick” approach that would be taken to improve sites.
The policy was also welcomed by Cllrs Winston Bennett (FG) and Brendan Fay (Ind), with Cathaoirleach Clifford Kelly (FF) urging fast movement with problem sites. “It’s important to get on with it as quick as you can”.
The policy was proposed by Cllr John Paul Feely and seconded by Cllr Aiden Fitzpatrick (FF).
FOR MORE NEWS STORIES
Click here