Legislation on derelict sites/properties needs to be overhauled

The legislation governing derelict sites/properties is hampering local authorities from acquiring such properties and turning them into badly-needed social housing.

A senior Cork County Council official has said legislation aimed at ridding the country of derelict sites/properties needs to be overhauled as “it is not fit for purpose".

Niall Healy, the council's director of services for municipal district operations and rural development, said there are many difficulties with the legislation which is hampering local authorities from acquiring such properties and turning them into badly-needed social housing.