Council crackdown may add 36 West Cork properties to Derelict Sites Register

Schull, Skibbereen and Drimoleague top the list of West Cork towns where properties are being examined for inclusion

A derelict house near Skibbereen. The largest number of properties currently being assessed are in Skibbereen, Schull and Drimoleague, with five in each area. File picture

Another 36 properties across West Cork are being considered for inclusion on the Derelict Sites Register as Cork County Council continues efforts to bring vacant and rundown buildings back into use.

The latest figures show 24 properties are already listed on the register in the West Cork Municipal District, while a further 36 are under investigation for possible inclusion.

The largest number of properties being assessed are in Schull, Skibbereen, and Drimoleague, with five in each area. Three are under consideration in Ballinascarthy, Ballineen, and Cape Clear, while four are being examined in Baltimore.

The council's existing register includes eight properties in Dunmanway, five in Bantry, four each in Clonakilty, and Skibbereen, and one each in Baltimore, Castletownbere, and Enniskeane.

The figures, revealed in a report presented at the recent meeting of the municipal district, also show efforts to tackle vacancy are beginning to bear fruit.

So far this year, works have been carried out on three properties following engagement by the council's town regeneration office, while works are under way on another 11 buildings. 

Fifteen properties have been put up for sale following council engagement and 12 have already been sold.

The report also highlights growing interest in the vacant property refurbishment grant. A total of 63 applications have been received in the West Cork Municipal District this year, with 32 approved so far. 

Since the scheme was launched, 464 applications have been received, 350 have been approved, and grants have been paid on 114 properties.

The council has also completed 14 technical dereliction assessments this year, carried out seven mapping and boundary exercises, served 13 statutory notices under the Derelict Sites Act, and completed one compulsory acquisition in Castletownbere.

The latest figures come amid a wider national focus on dereliction. 

Earlier this year, Cork County Council said there were 127 properties on its county-wide Derelict Sites Register, with 40 of those located in the Western Division.

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