INSISTING that the bye-laws in relation to derelict sites need to be vigorously enacted, Limerick Chamber says that where it is difficult to establish ownership, a mechanism must be developed to enable the council to enforce the legislation that is in place, to ensure that the visual appearance of the city is improved.
The Chamber’s concerns are not reserved solely for the city’s more ugly derelict buildings.
Referring to Limerick’s stock of Georgian buildings, it says: “It is outstanding by international standards, and the current level of deterioration and dereliction of some of this stock is not acceptable”.
The Chamber is also calling for the removal of the glut of unused business signage on vacant and derelict buildings throughout the city.
“This signage is unsightly and bye-laws should be enforced to ensure that it is removed, and also to ensure that premises throughout the city are maintained in accordance with regulations,” says a spokesperson, who acknowledges that with the current funding pressure that local governments are operating under, it might be feasible to enter into partnership with Eco-Unesco to run educational awareness programmes or to link in with the Department of the Environment’s ENFO programme.
“We are happy to support the council in enforcing current legislation and introducing new bye-laws to ensure that our city is presented in the best possible manner- we will do everything we can to support initiative in the future to ensure that the business community get involved and play their part”.
