Concerns over Limerick council's plans to sell derelict homes for €320k

A PROPOSAL to dispose of two adjacent properties in Rathkeale will come before a full meeting of Limerick City and County Council later this month despite some strong opposition.

The local authority, which acquired the properties separately under the Derelict Sites Act, has identified a preferred purchaser after both were placed on the open market.

The properties are located at Lower Main Street in the centre of the town and it is proposed to sell them both to a single purchaser for a combined €320,000.

In a briefing note, members of the Adare/Rathkeale Municipal District were informed the properties have been vacant and in a “derelict condition” for a number of years.

One is described as a “two-story, terraced townhouse” while the second is described as a “former two-storey residential premises”.

The preferred purchaser is Kilbrean Construction ltd which has a registered address in Killarney.

According to the briefing note, the company has sufficient funds to purchase the two properties and intends to engage with the council’s planning department if the sale is approved.

Council confirms plans to acquire more than 20 derelict properties across Limerick

At a meeting of the Adare/Rathkeale Municipal District, Cllr Adam Teskey expressed concern about the proposed sale given that certain information is not available.

“Are we jumping the gun?” he asked noting the comments of Senior Executive Officer Mary Hayes regarding the ownership of the acquired properties.

“We could not establish who the (previous) owners were which is quite common,” said Ms Hayes who added that individuals have claimed ownership but have not proven title.

Cllr Teskey commented that the proposed sale “doesn’t look good to the general public” when there are people crying out for social and affordable houses.

“We are acting as an estate agent,” he stated adding he is concerned the council will have not any control over what happens (to the properties) if the sale goes through.

Ms Hayes replied that the council’s primary aim is to remove the properties from the Derelict Sites Register and that Kilbrean will have 12 months to do that.

“We have a purchaser who is willing to do them up and they may be done up as residential units,” she said.

While Cllr Stephen Keary and Cllr John O’Donoghue also expressed some concern, a proposal from Cllr Emmett O’Brien to progress the sale was seconded by Cllr Bridie Collins meaning the matter will now come before the November meeting of the full council.