Cottage is a magnet for anti-social behaviour

THE cottage on the Old Bawn Road that was damaged in a fire in recent weeks has become a magnet for anti-social behaviour, according to a local councillor – and there are plans for it to be demolished.

The cottage, located on Brady’s Field, caught fire on Thursday, July 29. Firefighters from Tallaght and Dolphin’s Barn fire stations were called to the scene and got the fire under control.

Since then, the fire-damaged property has become a site for anti-social behaviour, according to Fianna Fáil councillor for Tallaght Central, Charlie O’Connor.

Cllr O’Connor told The Echo: “I’ve been getting calls from people in the area who are concerned about the dangers posed by the fact the property is now vacant and in a dangerous condition.

“People are calling me, saying things are going on in there every day, especially in the evenings. You can imagine what kind of activity is going on in there.”

Cllr O’Connor raised the issue with South Dublin County Council, who confirmed that they are planning to demolish the cottage.

The local authority said the cottage “is currently considered a dangerous building due to the recent fire on the premises”, and the council’s Foreman of Works “is charged with inspecting the property to make safe until demolition”.

The site of the cottage, and a portion of the surrounding greenspace, has been earmarked for a social housing development for older people.

The plans for the older persons housing development were given the green light in February 2020, and it is understood that the Part 8-approved scheme is currently at pre-tender design stage.