WITH more than 4,000 vacant properties in Limerick and almost €1million outstanding in vacant site levies, a call has been made to make those disused buildings available as part of the local housing stock.
Speaking during a Dáil debate on vacant properties last week. Limerick Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan said that he joined a recent derelict site walking tour in Limerick City and one of the locations visited was the Watergate Flat Complex.
“This is an apartment complex of 100 unit in the heart of the city centre. Locals who are angry and frustrated tell me there are at least six of these units boarded up and vacant. Many are in near ready condition and could be assigned to a family in need of housing.
“Yet, some have lain idle for years. Across Limerick there are many dwellings that could be refurbished and made available. Yet again, they sit idle.
“My office deals daily with people desperate to be housed. They often live in overcrowded small homes with multiple generations of the family living cheek by jowl. I am frequently told by those living adjacent to vacant sites or boarded up houses that the non-use of vacant dwellings often creates negative conditions for those living next to them.
“In my experience the longer a site is vacant, the greater the chance of illegal dumping, vermin infestations and structural damage being done to the adjacent homes.
“In Limerick there are at least 4,000 vacant properties. While we have a vacant site levy its collection is not uniform. In response to a Parliamentary Question I asked in January, it was confirmed that in Limerick there was almost €1 million outstanding in vacant site levies spanning over a two-year period.
“It is extremely disappointing that these properties are not made available for use and it is astounding that when they are left vacant there is no urgency in collecting the amounts owed.
“In contrast, if a council tenant ends up in arrears on their rent, the local council will energetically pursue them to ensure that the owed money is paid.
“Your home is your refuge, it is your safe place, and it is something that, in the main, people take great pride in. Yet many of our residents must live next to vacant buildings, others struggle to find their own home.
“National house prices are rising on average 7 per cent a year. Those who allow sites to lie vacant are profiting while many of our people are desperate.
It is essential that many of the vacant properties are brought back into use and that those who leave properties vacant must be pursued vigorously to ensure that any levies owed are paid,” Deputy Quinlivan concluded.
