Manager targets ‘hitlist’ of 140 sites in drive to tackle derelict properties

Cork’s city manager has drawn up a “hitlist” of 140 properties as part of a major plan to tackle dereliction.

Tim Lucey said they were at various stages of the derelict sites process and measures including legal action against the owners were being implemented.

In a report to councillors, Mr Lucey revealed:

* There are 140 properties across the city at various stages of dereliction.

* There are 24 properties on the council’s derelict sites register.

* Four of these sites have been compulsorily acquired by the city council.

* The council has begun the legal process of entering four more properties on the derelict sites’ register.

Mr Lucey said the comp-ulsory acquisition of derelict sites was the “last resort” and followed an exploration of options available to the council.

He said the owners of several rundown properties in priority areas where dereliction was worst — Blackpool, parts of the city centre, Shandon St and Barrack St — are engaged with the council by upgrading their properties, redevelopment and, in some cases, some cosmetic upgrades pending the redevelopment or selling of the properties.

He said the Derelict Sites Act 1990 gave the council powers to compel owners of derelict properties. Where the owners do not take action, Mr Lucey said the property could be moved on to the derelict sites’ register.

The economic crisis has stalled the development or sale of several properties, he said.

“In many cases, negotiations are underway with the owners for remedial works to be undertaken, and regular site inspections take place.

“Where negotiations are unsuccessful, the normal procedure is to then proceed with the notice of intention to place on the derelict sites register.”

Cllr Kenneth O’Flynn (FF) welcomed the action against dereliction: “I am delighted to see that the city manager is taking such a proactive and determined approach to this issue and to ensure that it is dealt with as speedily and efficiently as possible.”

As part of the plan, the Shandon St area will have a new painting scheme; the Blackpool, Shandon, and North Main St areas will see a scheme focused on upgrading buildings; while the city centre will benefit from the upgrading of historic buildings designed to allow existing buildings to be brought back into use.

The city council is also working with the probation services to develop a graffiti removal project. “The city council is only able to do so much,” Mr O’Flynn said.