Derelict sites in Longford since ‘Moses wore shorts’

There are too many derelict buildings in Longford town, and that’s according to the town’s elected members who discussed the matter recently.

“I want a list of all the derelict sites in this town and their locations,” fumed Cllr Michael Connellan (FF), who also pointed out that the move was necessary under the Derelict Sites Act 1990. “The local authority is obliged by law to take all necessary steps to address the issue of derelict sites and we must be more proactive as well. We are proactive when it comes to rates, yet when it comes to derelict sites, we are told that we don’t have the staff; a lot of the sites are owned by NAMA which is has to be said, is quite happy to leave them sitting there.”

Cllr Peggy Nolan (FG) then said that she had received a complaint from a couple in a residential estate in the town who were living beside a derelict house that was infested with “rats, bats and birds”. Cllr Gerry Warnock (IND) also pointed out that there were a number of streets in the town that were particularly adversely affected. “The state of Bridge Street, Lr Main Street and Water Street,” he exclaimed. “The buildings in question are there since Moses wore shorts, and the matter really needs to be addressed immediately.”