Council seeks to increase fines on derelict-site owners

Cork County Council is seeking permission from the Department of Environment to increase the penalties it can impose on derelict sites owners.

The council is writing to Environment Minister Phil Hogan following a motion from Fianna Fáil councillor Seamus McGrath aimed at reducing the blemish which such buildings inflict on towns and villages.

At present, the county council can levy a fine on derelict site owners for every year they fail to bring their properties up to scratch. The fine is set at 3% of the estimated value of the building.