Put derelict sites to community use: Irish Planning Institute

The Irish Planning Institute has called for scores of derelict sites around the country to be turned into low-cost community projects.

Members of the group met officials from Nama before Christmas to outline a number of temporary uses for vacant buildings, such as community gardens or playgrounds.

President of the Irish Planning Institute Brendan Allen said using empty buildings would help to prevent vandalism and reduce security costs.

"Nama will be spending a lot of money on security at sites and apartments complexes," he said.

"The fact that buildings are being used by people means that vandalism, misuse and dereliction doesn’t necessarily happen."