‘Give elderly man back his home,’ Limerick council told

LIMERICK City and County Council has been accused of “evicting” an elderly man from his house and leaving him without his home.

“A man was basically evicted, the council took ownership now leaving him homeless,” said Cllr Ger Mitchell. He was speaking at a meeting of Cappamore-Kilmallock municipal district regarding the disposal of a detached property at Foxhall West, Colmanswell.

It has been acquired compulsorily by the local authority under the Derelict Sites Act. The matter had been deferred from the January meeting after Cllr PJ Carey objected to the disposal of property.

Last week’s meeting, held in Cuan Mhuire in Bruree, heard that the former owner of the house became very, very ill around four years ago and left the property to stay with a relative. The meeting also heard that the man was “unaware” of the council’s proceedings.

“You have to give the man a chance. This man wasn’t aware, now he is homeless. It is flawed. There was no proper engagement, just site notices,” said Cllr Mitchell.

In calling for the council to “give the man his house back”, Cllr PJ Carey said: “He owned a house. Now he doesn’t have a house.”

Cllr Eddie Ryan said: “This does not sound right to me. He should be helped. This man needs an advocate and a solicitor.” Cllr Carey said Liam Carroll, barrister, has taken on the case.

A council employee said the process was completed fully in line with the legislation and it is the owner’s responsibility to deal with dereliction. The property was entered on the Derelict Sites Register in March 2020. The council subsequently acquired the property compulsorily.

The council staff member said the local community was “delighted” there was going to be a new owner. The disposal of property was deferred from the January meeting to allow the council to speak to the former owner.

“I spoke to the man and went through the case history. I confirmed to him that it was in council ownership and to seek legal advice for compensation,” said the council employee, who added that he is “entitled to be compensated”.

NTA unveil draft new bus network for Limerick which will see services increase by seventy percent

A different council official said the property was completely overgrown and couldn’t be seen from the road.

“It was being used as a dump. It was chaotic. It was unsafe to enter,” they said.

There were 26 enquiries and two bidders after the house was brought to the market and advertised for sale. It was bought for €45,000 and the purchaser intends to refurbish the house and occupy it themselves.

The councillors agreed to defer the disposal of the property again to allow for legal correspondence between the former owner’s barrister and council to take place.

Cllr Mike Donegan asked is the man now “homeless” and asked for the housing section to get in touch with him to clarify his position.

Cllr Mitchell, who is an auctioneer, said ownership of property in Ireland is very sensitive and cited the film The Field.

“There is a lot of resentment building up. A 100 years ago there were evictions by the English. We don’t want the council taking that position. Do proper diligence,” said Cllr Mitchell.