COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 09, 2014

QUESTION NO. 6

QUESTION: Councillor J. Lahart

"To ask the Chief Executive for a complete update on the following derelict sites:

1. Ballyroan House Lodge

2.  Newbrook House, Taylors Lane

3. The rear of 644 Whitechurch Road?"

REPLY:

1. Ballyroan House Lodge

A statutory Notice, pursuant to Section 8 (2) of the Derelict Sites Act 1990, giving notice of the Council's intention to enter the site onto the Derelict Sites Register and allowing a period of time for the making of representations, was served on the registered owner in November  2013. However, as the owner had changed address, another Section 8 (2) Notice was required and was served on the owner on 2nd January 2014.

The Council was contacted by a solicitor acting for the registered owner outlining the circumstances of the case and advising that sale of the site was imminent. In response, the Council outlined the minimum works required to abate the dereliction. These works were completed in March 2014.

However, a re-inspection by the Council indicated that the site had again fallen into dereliction. Further correspondence was issued to the owner’s solicitor outlining the works required to abate the dereliction. The owner contacted the Council in May 2014 advising that sale of the site was imminent and requesting that the Council refrain from entering the particulars of the site on the Derelict Sites Register to allow the closing of the sale. The Council agreed to refrain from taking enforcement action to allow time for the completion of the sale.

A further inspection carried out on 25th July 2014 found the site in an overgrown condition. By letter dated 5th August 2014, the owner was advised that he was required to have the overgrowth cut back by 22nd August 2014. The solicitor acting for the owner was contacted by telephone on 22nd August 2014 advising that the condition of the site could no longer be tolerated and outlining the minimum works required to abate the dereliction. The solicitor explained the difficulties with the case but agreed to contact the solicitor acting for the purchaser with a view to completing the sale.  Upon completion of the sale, it is the Council’s intention to write to the purchaser outlining its requirements in relation to the condition of the site and requesting that the purchaser outline his plans for the site.

While it is considered reasonable to allow a short period of time to facilitate the closure of the sale, the Council will move to enter the particulars of the site on the Derelict Sites Register should no progress be made within the first two weeks of September.

2. Newbrook House

Following consultation with the Conservation Officer and the County Architect, it has been decided that the outbuildings on the site adjacent to Newbrook House do not form part of the protected structure. Accordingly, a statutory Notice pursuant to Section 11 of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 has been served on the owner of the site requiring the demolition of the outbuildings, removal of debris and weeds, and the submission of a maintenance schedule for the site to South Dublin County Council.

3. Site at Rear of 644 Whitechurch Road

The site at the rear of 644 Whitechurch Road will be inspected under the Derelict Sites Act 1990. Following receipt of the report, any enforcement action necessary to prevent or halt dereliction of the site will be taken under the provisions of this Act.

A comprehensive report on derelict sites will be presented at the October meeting.