Sir, – It seems odd that no action is being taken to deal with the thousands of derelict houses around the country, as anyone can see from a casual examination of any town or village in the country. Many of these houses, given a basic renovation, would be virtually ready for occupation. Their renovation would not be subject to the many obstacles faced by new building developments, eg planning approval, the provision of services like water, sewerage and electricity, and could consequently be made habitable very quickly.
The Derelict Sites Act 1990 obliges local authorities to take “all reasonable steps” to deal with derelict sites (including houses), yet few of them appear to act on the powers given to them by this Act. Such powers include the power to declare a house derelict, to list it on a derelict sites register, which local authorities are legally obliged to maintain, to direct the owners to repair the dereliction and to compulsorily acquire the property, if necessary. A levy of 3 per cent per annum on the value of the house can also be applied to make it unattractive for owners to ignore the dereliction.
Many local authorities do not use these powers and in some cases ignore their obligations under the Act. This matter needs to be investigated and pressure must be put on local authorities to act on their statutory obligations in this regard so as to make derelict houses available for occupation. – Yours, etc,
BRENDAN F LOGUE,
Julianstown, Co Meath.
Sir, – The rapid-build programme, the use of empty units and a package for first-time buyers to help tackle the housing crisis are to be very much welcomed. It is certainly a start.
However, we must be cautious that we do not inflate a housing bubble, as happened in the recent past.
We must also be careful that best practice in terms of planning is adhered to. Spatial and proximity restrictions, fire safety measures, adequate natural light in dwellings, visual amenity, dual aspect and adequate infrastructure in terms of traffic are all concepts which need to be at the forefront of our minds when considering planning applications.
The road to hell is often paved with good intentions.
Planning authorities need to ensure that we avoid legacy issues for future generations while also meeting the needs of those requiring housing. – Yours, etc,
KILLIAN BRENNAN,
Dublin 17.