Derelict site owners face levy

OWNERS of derelict sites in Killarney could be faced with a levy from January next, unless they co-operate with the local town council and bring their properties up to standard.

Under the Derelict Sites Act, the council has the power to impose a levy calculated at 3% of the market value of a site, which management plans to do early in the new year.

However, Killarney mayor Donal Grady yesterday said the council’s preference was to work through dialogue and consultation with site owners.