SOLD! Council agrees to sell derelict house in Limerick village for €47,500
The property in Ballingarry and the surrounding land have been vacant and in a derelict condition for a number of years
A DERELICT property in a Limerick village, which was compulsorily acquired by the local authority, is to be sold for just under €50,000.
In a briefing note, prepared for members of the Adare – Rathkeale Municipal District, Jayne Leahy, head of property services, said the house at Main Street, Ballingarry, was put up for auction earlier this year and that a bid of €47,500 has been accepted.
“The property and surrounding land have been vacant and in a derelict condition for a number of years. Statutory notices were served in accordance with the Derelict Sites Act 1990. The property was entered on the Derelict Sites Register in March, 2022. Limerick City & County Council subsequently acquired the property compulsorily. The property previously went sale agreed in 2025 but that sale fell through,” she wrote.
When the matter initially came before councillors, some concerns were expressed and a private discussion then took place.
Following this, Cllr Adam Teskey asked for more details about the condition of the house. He said elected members are “inundated” with requests for housing and that it was “very awkward” for them to approve the sale.
His sentiments were echoed by other members and Cllr Stephen Keary asked that the proceeds from the sale be used to “repurpose existing voids”.
In response, Tina Knox, an administrative officer with the local authority, said it is “very seldom” for the council to dispose of such properties at public auction but that it was appropriate in this case, given the level of dereliction.
"The roof is gone, the house is basically a front wall and nothing else,” she told members.
Ms Knox later clarified the council has incurred costs of around €3,000 associated with the acquisition and sale of the property.
It’s understood the purchaser plans to renovate the house for a family member to live in.
The proposed sale will come before the full council in September.