Objection to purchase of derelict houses

AN OBJECTION has been lodged against South Dublin County Council’s plans to compulsorily acquire four derelict houses at St Maelruan’s Park, adjacent to Mountain Park in Tallaght.

This means the council has had to seek permission from An Bord Pleanála to acquire the properties, and the appeals board’s decision is due by March 1, 2023.

The houses have been a point of contention for many years, as they’ve remained vacant and boarded up.

The four houses at 24, 24a, 24b and 24c St Maelruan’s Park were previously described as “eyesores” by local Fianna Fáil councillor Charlie O’Connor.

A number of local politicians, including Sinn Féin councillor Cathal King, have called for them to be taken into council ownership.

The council published a public notice of their intention to acquire the four derelict houses compulsorily under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 last July.

“An objection to the proposed compulsory acquisition was received within the timeframe allowed,” stated the council in response to a question by Cllr King at a recent council meeting.

“Therefore, under the Derelict Sites Act, the council cannot proceed to acquire the properties without the consent of An Bord Pleanála.

“The council’s application for consent to acquire the properties was submitted to An Bord Pleanála on the 27th of September 2022.

“The case is due to be decided by An Bord Pleanála by the 1st of March 2023.”