Council refused consent to acquire longstanding vacant pub in Waterford City
Royal Bar, Lombard Street
Waterford Council’s compulsory acquisition of a number of derelict buildings in Waterford City has been rejected by An Bord Pleanala. The Council’s acquisition application was objected to by Neville Hotels.
The site in question comprises a disused public house, The Royal Bar, and an adjoining commercial building. The Royal Bar has not been operating as for approximately 10 years.
An Bord Pleanala inspector, Mr. Ian Campbell said: “Dereliction would appear to be an issue at the subject property for some time, and using the dated Streetview function on Google Maps, I note that the subject property began to fall into disrepair around 2014 and has continued to deteriorate."
He said the entire Royal Bar building is in need of repair [and] repainting and that graffiti is evident on the rear and sides of the property.
The front façades of No. 12 – 14 Lombard Street are similarly in a poor state of repair and the roof of No. 13 and 14 appears to be sagging while some of the roof tiles of No.’s 13 and 14 appear to be damaged.
He noted the front façade of No. 12 is cracked and appears to be structurally compromised while weeds are evident to the front of No. 12 and there are loose wires hanging from the front façade.
Mr. Campbell further commented: “The properties have a neglected, unsightly and objectionable appearance from the public road and surrounding area. The subject property detracts significantly from the character and appearance of the street.”
An objection to Waterford Council’s acquisition was lodged by Neville Hotels Unlimited Company.
The objection noted that the property in question will be subject to a planning application and that a pre-planning meeting was held.
In June, Mr. Campbell recommended that the board grant consent to the council to acquire the site.
The board however, disagreed with the recommendation, saying that there is evidence of ongoing efforts from Neville Hotels to render the site non-derelict, and that sufficient time was not afforded to the notice party to address the dereliction.
