THE sight of rodents scurrying past long-standing derelict sites is terrifying people, according to election candidate Cllr Joe Leddin, responding to a complaint from a young Limerick woman who had such an experience on the Ballinacurra road. It is claimed that rats and rodents are terrifying people, especially our senior citizens who walk in the area of the former Moloney Garage site.
This week, the Limerick Post received a call from a young woman who said she is now terrified to be anywhere near the site.
“I was wheeling my child in her buggy and two rats ran across my path – it was obvious they were coming from the site, which attracts lots of illegal dumping – it’s a disgrace that this is being allowed fester so close to where people are living and walking”.
Cllr Joe Leddin, who has requested an immediate inspection of a number of the city’s most offensive derelict sites and properties from City Hall’s Planning Department, said that on his election canvass throughout the city he has received numerous complaints from people and the business sector who are living close to derelict sites.
“They have outlined to me their concerns with the continued deterioration of these sites. All kind of rubbish is being dumped illegally, and as a result, increases anti-social behaviour.
“There are also serious health and safety concerns surrounding the proposed Opera Centre – many of the buildings involved are over 100 years and in a poor physical state”.
Pointing out that the issue is of a more serious nature than many people perceive, he also referred to the many unoccupied derelict houses and sites scattered in Hyde Road, Quins Cottages, Janesboro and Prospect, that are causing huge concern for locals.
“Urgent action, such as compulsory purchase orders by the city council are now required, and while there may be difficulties pertaining to title deeds with certain houses, the major strategic sites on main artery roads into the city can’t be left unattended – either the owners or the city council must carry out appropriate works to clean and secure these sites”.
