Council bickers over derelict turnaround in Waterford

Vacant properties across Waterford was one of the topics at the latest Plenary meeting that raised eyebrows when Councillor Frank Quinlan wouldn't accept the response from the Executive. 

Newly elected councillor, Catherine Burke, was quick to the mark and asked for the Council's assistance in being clear regarding how to approach the issue of vacant properties. 

"I've had many requests for help and sourcing housing since I've been elected. As a new councillor, I'd like to understand the current situation regarding vacant properties in Waterford," she said. 

"Could the council provide a list of properties in Waterford City and County broken down by district or perhaps point me in the direction to where we would find such a list?" asked Cllr Burke, which lead to her asking, "what is the usual timeline for the conversion of vacant properties into usable housing?" 

"Additionally, could the council provide any information on the processes involved and the factors that might influence these timelines? And could the council arrange a workshop with the derelict housing officer? I think this would be beneficial to new councillors like myself to better understand the strategies and initiatives being employed to address the vacant and derelict properties in Waterford," she concluded. 

"I believe the average time frame is about 32 weeks actually to turn them around," highlighted Cllr Barry, who added that it's costing the taxpayer more money while properties lie vacant "in the middle of a housing crisis". 

Cllr Ryan also added to the topic: "With 265 properties now registered as derelict and vacant I ask that we expedite these properties back into the system as we're in the middle of a housing crisis and a lot of these properties would provide hope for those that are seeking housing."

The Council's response noted that there were "more than 500 units in vacant properties over the last number of years. And there's at least the same amount in the pipeline to be delivered over the next few years. 

"In terms of dereliction and vacancy. Generally, we have a very good team working between planning and housing," they added. 

However, Cllr Quinlan gave examples of houses being left vacant for more than the given timeframe, "I strongly query that data and I would like to know when this annual performance indicator was taking place, because although you said 1.7% I could give you a list of 10 houses now that I've seen in the past 18 months that haven't been touched in the city alone."

"So I'm unaware of where the 1.7% comes from and the 22 week turnaround, because I can tell you now it's wrong," said Cllr Quinlan adamantly. 

Interim CEO, Ivan Grimes, responded to Cllr Quinlan and clarified that it's 25 weeks to turnaround the vacant properties, on average as "vacancy rates are independently verified by the National Oversight and Audit Committee on an annual basis."

Mr Grimes also clarified that some houses may take longer to become livable as they have been "acquired under other government funded schemes".