Tragic Mallow case 'proves local authorities need more powers to tackle dereliction'

Councils must act swiftly on dereliction, John Paul O’Shea tells EOIN ENGLISH, who also looks at the life of Tim O'Sullivan whose remains lay undiscovered for 22 years in a derelict home

The boarded-up property at 9, Beecher St in Mallow, Co Cork where Tim O’Sullivan's remains lay undiscovered for 22 years. Picture: Larry Cummins

The man who first raised official concerns about a derelict house in which the remains of a man lay undiscovered for 22 years says the tragic cases proves that local authorities need more legal powers and financial firepower to tackle dereliction.

Cork county councillor John Paul O’Shea welcomed the comments of coroner for North Cork, Michael Kennedy, who said he plans to bring to the attention of the relevant government minister the issues raised by last week’s inquest into the tragic death of Tim O’Sullivan, 61, at 9 Beecher St, Mallow, Co Cork, in January 2001, but whose remains weren’t found until last January — 22 years later.