CLARE County Council has 202 active files on derelict properties in the county after the busiest period of activity on the issue in over 30 years, new figures show.
According to the local authority, 69 new derelict site files were opened in Clare in 2022 – leading to a doubling of the level of activity from 2021.
The council says a number of the properties have been brought to market and engagement continues with owners to resolve issues of dereliction in Clare.
Four derelict sites were acquired through compulsory purchase order (CPO). These are the first CPOs of derelict sites initiated by the council since 2014.
“To date this year, 69 new derelict site files have been opened and represents a significant effort by the Derelict Sites Team to take action against derelict properties throughout the County”, the council’s monthly management report for January states,
The report continues, “This is the highest level of activity in any one year since the Act was first introduced in 1990/1991 and we now have 202 active files. Compared to 2021, it is a doubling of the level of activity on new sites. Initial engagement with owners or their representatives is key to resolution of the issues of dereliction and to understand the various reasons why the properties are in a derelict stage. A number of properties have been brought to the market and some are at ‘sale agreed’ stage and we continue the engagement with the new owners of those properties to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities under the Derelict Sites Act, 1990”.
“We are also seeing the outcome of sales agreed in 2021 and 2022, with planning applications for refurbishment increasing and some works commencing on individual properties. This is not to say that there are not many challenges in dealing with derelict sites as we come across many issues which need to be resolved. However, with time and effort, working with owners, financial institutions and other departments, there are definitely options for positive re-development and revitalisation of many such derelict sites”, the report adds.
On the compulsory acquisition of derelict sites in Clare, the report states, “To date in 2022, three of the four derelict sites acquired by CPO have been vested in Clare County Council and one is outstanding in the Property Registration Authority. The CPO process has been initiated in two more properties and we are dealing with objections in relation to those. We are working with the Housing Department to return the first three properties to living accommodation, following refurbishment or re-development. These are the first CPO’s of Derelict sites initiated by the Council since 2014”
The council says that in order to ensure engagement with owners is more efficient, the amalgamation of the Derelict Sites team with the Vacant Home Officer will take effect in January 2023.
“This is a further step in putting a key focus on this area and allow us to strengthen the unit, which did not exist until late 2019. Arrangements will be made for briefings to elected members in quarter 1, 2023 and a communications strategy for the public and property owners, with road shows being proposed around the county”.
