Update given on five derelict properties in Laois town 

THE status of five derelict properties in Rathdowney town centre was explained at the latest meeting of Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick municipal district.

Councillor John King brought the motion requesting an update to the meeting as he had seen little physical evidence of change in recent years.

In response, a representative of the area office explained that they were dealing with the dereliction of the five properties under the provisions of the Derelict Sites Act 1990.

In terms of the individual status of the five sites, two are going through a procedure of compulsory purchase orders with a view to transforming the near-ruined sites into social housing, the third and fourth, following engagement with the owner, are in the process of being converted back into a state of adequate repair, while the fifth is supposed to be going through a similar revamp following engagements with the owner, although there hasn’t been any on the ground movement yet.

The representative also stressed: “Laois Co Council remains committed to bringing derelict sites back into productive use.” Reacting to the developments, Cllr John King praised the council as one of the best local authorities in the country for tackling dereliction but also urged them to continue putting pressure on the owners of the other three sites. He added that given the properties were in a prime location in the town centre, if the owners weren’t willing to do what they had to do in quick order, the council and the government should move in with a compulsory purchase order.

Cllr Conor Bergin, who seconded the motion, added: “People would be happy to live in them, especially in our town centre.” 

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.