A derelict property in Athenry described as an ‘eyesore’ will be demolished by Galway County Council following a ruling of Loughrea District Court last week.
Judge James Faughnan made an order under the Sanitary Services Act for the immediate demolition of the property.
Local Sinn Féin representative Louis O’Hara said the building has been an ‘eyesore for many years’ and has been left in a very dangerous condition.
He said that it detracts from the appearance of Athenry town centre and that this ruling is long overdue.
“It simply isn’t good enough for properties like this to be left empty and derelict in our town centres and we need to see more action taken to address this growing problem,” said O’Hara.
“The introduction of effective vacant and derelict property taxes and a greater focus from Galway County Council on identifying derelict sites and collecting levies are examples of measures that would encourage property owners not to neglect their sites.”
O’Hara said that this is a growing problem in towns and villages across Galway and while it is welcome that this property will be demolished it is important that Galway County Council pursue other vacant and derelict properties across the County.
