Common good must prevail - Derelict sites

THE decision by Dublin City Council to impose compulsory purchase orders on property owners who allow buildings or sites to fall into dereliction is to be welcomed and should be reflected across the country.

Chief executive Owen Keegan, in what must be seen as overdue expression of the collective good over private indifference, said the council has been “too deferential” to property owners and “unduly tolerant” of sites which are a blight on the city. “I think we have been unduly tolerant and not cognisant of the negative externalities of holding a building for its hope value,” he said.

That argument could be made for nearly every urban centre in the country and, in more than a few instances, against property owned by the State or semi-state companies.

These derelict buildings or sites impose a double-whammy levy on society. They are invariably an eyesore, and often hinder the development of an area where the majority of property owners are ambitious and conscientious.

They also hoard building space, making it, and whatever business is eventually conducted there, more expensive — and the extra costs are inevitably passed to consumers.

Mr Keegan did suggest that compulsory purchase might be a last resort, and that property owners should be encouraged to redevelop sites or buildings before that point is reached.

This seems a fair compromise that serves the needs of both parties. Property owners should avail of it.