Disposal of two properties in Limerick town raises concerns and housing talks

A LIMERICK councillor has raised concerns over disposing properties to landlords and not to people who are in need of it.

The debate ensued as councillors of the Adare-Rathkeale municipal district were faced with the disposal of two properties and a small area of land at the latest monthly meeting.

The two properties, both situated in Askeaton were being disposed of to Monrea Consulting Limited and it is hoped the company will have tenants living in the houses five weeks after the sale is agreed.

Fine Gael councillor, Stephen Keary asked to postpone the disposal of the properties until all councillors were briefed on the proposed disposal.

It was Mr Keary’s view that the company/individual they were disposing the properties to was a “substantial landlord” and he would rather dispose the property to people with a “housing need”.

“The properties are refurbished to a standard. Can we not complete the houses and then dispose of them to worthy two local tenants?” Mr Keary asked.

Fianna Fáil councillor Kevin Sheahan said: “Those two properties are lying vacant in my own town. This is very serious.”

Mr Sheahan said he looks forward to seeing two families who need housing moving into the houses whether disposed of to the landlord or not.

It is understood that the properties will be leased back to LCCC with the aim of using them as social housing.

Councillors at the meeting were told by the housing department that the purchaser/landlord “has a good track record”.

The properties are largely refurbished but minor works are needed before the property is functional.

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“The purchaser will turn the property around in five weeks from the purchase date.”

It could take years for the council to get people into the properties if they don’t dispose according to Jayne Leahy, head of property and community facilities at LCCC.

“They were so derelict no one would touch them… They are now brought back to the market. The housing department doesn’t have the capabilities to get them out of dereliction and occupied. These will still be social housing.”

Following a vote, the two properties were disposed.