West Cork finally has a derelict site register

Until now, West Cork was the only municipal district in the county not to have a derelict site register.

The register will allow Cork County Council to prosecute owners of derelict sites who do not comply with notices served, make compulsory land purchases, and carry out necessary works and charge the owners for the cost.

TD for Cork South-West and leader of the Social Democrats, Holly Cairns, pointed out that local authorities have been required by law since 1990 to maintain a public register of derelict sites in each district.

“Unfortunately, the lack of action to date means that West Cork is behind the curve in regards to tackling vacancy and dereliction,” she said.

She added: “Every week I meet people in West Cork who are on the brink of homelessness, who cannot get social housing, and who are being priced out of our community. There is absolutely no excuse for allowing property which could be used for housing to lie vacant and fall to pieces in the middle of the worst housing crisis the country has ever experienced.”

Social Democrats Councillor for Skibbereen, Isobel Towse, said: “I sincerely welcome the news that there are now 16 properties in West Cork registered, with 27 more given notice. However, we know that this is just the tip of the iceberg in regard to dereliction in West Cork.”

At a recent West Cork Municipal District meeting, she asked the council executive how and when annual levies owed by the owners of derelict sites in West Cork will be collected. “I will work to ensure that the council are actively working with property owners to tackle vacancy and dereliction.

“There must be a public campaign to communicate to property owners the severe need to address this issue and the benefits to all, to ensure smooth cooperation and rapid progress.”