Derelict sites plaguing our communities - Morgan Walsh

Labour’s local election candidate for the Nenagh District Louise Morgan Walsh has condemned the government’s ineffective response to the crisis of vacancy and dereliction plaguing our communities.

Ms Morgan Walsh said: “Despite promises, the government’s meagre solution to vacancy and dereliction has been marked by short-termism, lacking effective action to address the root causes of the issue.

“The government’s one-off Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has proven insufficient, with only 97 drawdowns recorded in 2023. A feeble attempt at tackling a crisis of this magnitude, it clearly falls short of providing meaningful solutions to the vacancy and dereliction disaster.

“It is outrageous that in the midst of an acute housing crisis, thousands of homes across our country sit idle, either vacant or derelict. Every vacant or derelict property represents a missed opportunity to provide a safe and secure home for someone in need. Take for example the former army barracks site in Summerhill Nenagh, which has huge potential to deliver urgently needed homes and rekindle the military history of our town. We have seen no attempt from any of our elected members in Nenagh to push for a site resolution here or any campaign for funding.

“Why have they let this historical site to deteriorate and become extremely dangerous?

“Housing is the number one issue on the minds of residents in the Nenagh District. Time and time again, constituents express their concerns about the lack of affordable housing options in our community.”

“We in Labour have been raising this with Government over and over again. The time for half-measures, tinkering around the edges, and excuses is over.