Local authorities face difficulties dealing with dereliction, but it can be done 

In the course of the Irish Examiner's series on dereliction, local authorities have displayed various approaches to tackling the problem, with all those interviewed believing new laws are required to take ownership of derelict sites. A fresh approach can revitalise a building or street if new owners take over

A long-term derelict building on Lower Cork St, Mitchelstown, Co Cork. Cork County Council believes the issue of tackling dereliction could be speeded up if existing legislation was reformed. Picture: Denis: Minihane

Talk to officials from any county or city council about dereliction, and there is an audible sinking of hearts.

And they all agree on one thing: There is nothing black and white about tackling dereliction. And while critics attack them for not acting fast or efficiently enough — in, for example, collecting levies — they say the biggest issue they face is with the owners of the properties themselves.