Derelict sites around county being addressed

Waterford City & County Council's, Active Land Management and Derelict Sites team is currently addressing a total of 367 properties classified as either derelict of potentially derelict.

That's according to the most recent monthly report presented to the elected members by Council Chief Executive, Sean McKeown, before the summer break.

In the report Mr McKeown said that in recent months there was a 'a significant increase in activity', with 121 properties now listed on the Derelict Sites Register. 

'Engaging with property owners or their representatives is essential for addressing dereliction issues and understanding the numerous factors that contribute to the properties' current condition,' he said in the report.

It was also noted that the level of activity in the property market concerning vacant and derelict properties had notably increased. 

'Among the properties we have identified as derelict, several have been reintroduced to the private market voluntarily, with some currently at the 'sale agreed' or 'to let' stages,' noted Mr McKeown.

'We are actively engaging with the new owners of these properties to ensure they are fully informed of their obligations under the Derelict Sites Act 1990,' he said.

'We are also seeing a consistent number of planning applications for property refurbishment/extension, and the level of work ongoing on individual properties is clear from driving around the city and county.'

He said the local authority was advising property owners of the vacant property refurbishment grant if the property is suitable for residential use. 

'This grant has contributed to a significant rise in the number of derelict and vacant properties currently available on the market,' he noted.

'With time and effort, working with owners, financial institutions, and other departments, there are definite options for positive redevelopment and revitalisation of many such derelict sites,' he added.

The most recent table of activities related to June and at that time the number of new files opened was 16 bringing the overall total to 457.

Of those, six were Section 8(2) Notices - intention to enter the site on the Derelict Sites Register and further six were Section 8(7) Notices - entry of site onto the Derelict Sites Register.

Up to June, 30 Section 11 Notices had been issued which indicated measures required to render a site non-derelict and there were 49 Notices served with regard to Compulsory Purchase Acquisitions while 15 Vesting Orders were signed and 107 files closed.