Pub site on verge of ‘derelict’ declaration
by Maurice Garvey
SOUTH Dublin County Council have written a letter to the owners of the former Foxhunters Pub, requesting works be carried out to prevent the site becoming derelict.
Residents have complained of a rat problem and anti-social activity at the N4 Lucan site in recent months.
The pub closed its doors in 2012 and was put in the hands of receivers – five years after it was bought for a reported price of €17 million.
Avoca Handweavers planned to open a store on the site in March, creating 50 jobs in the process, but delays in the construction have led to concerns from local representatives who cite “difficulties” with investors.
Due to resident complaints, Labour TD Joanna Tuffy made a representation to the local authority on July 1 – receiving confirmation that the council have issued a letter “to whom we believe are the owners” requesting works be carried out.
Deputy Tuffy said: “The council have substantial powers they can use, it’s a welcome development. Residents have said there is a problem with rats and that it’s falling into disrepair.”
Avoca Managing Director Simon Pratt told The Echo that the company is still committed to bringing the store and restaurant to the Foxhunter site but “currently our hands are tied.”
“It isn’t a financial issue but rather a legal-contractual one regarding this premises” he said.
In response to Deputy Tuffy, the council said their Clerk of Works called to the site on June 22, and reported the site, “in its current condition, is not derelict.”
An Environment Officer with the council said: “A letter has been issued to whom the council believes are the owners, requesting these works be carried out. The site will be inspected in one month and failure to carry out the works will leave the council with no option but to serve a Statutory Notice under the Derelict Sites Act.