Give vacant Celtic Tiger buildings and sites to community groups

I receive letters from sports/youth clubs and other associations, including Midleton Men’s Shed, asking for local authorities to acquire vacant sites and buildings that have been left undeveloped since the collapse of the property market.

This is a major problem nationwide. These unsightly vacant lots should be given over for use as community allotments to provide housing for the elderly, or as playing fields to promote cultural and educational activities.

Midleton Men’s Shed needs a vacant building. Established in 2012, Men’s Shed has proved of major benefit to the town and environs, so much so that the present building is not adequate to cope with the demand.