Dereliction enforcement inconsistency
Malcolm Byrne contrasts Wexford’s action on dereliction with Wicklow’s inaction in Arklow; the Taoiseach says enforcement is moving to Revenue to improve consistency.
I want to raise the question of dereliction and the inconsistency of approach between local authorities. The Taoiseach is aware of the impact of the scourge of dereliction on our towns and communities. In Gorey, Wexford County Council has taken a very active approach to deal with the problem of derelict buildings. In Arklow, however, Wicklow County Council has not taken an active approach and, as a result, there is a serious problem with dereliction, particularly in the centre of the town.
I will frame my question in terms of the data. Wexford is much more active in tackling dereliction than Wicklow. Obviously, I want dereliction in Arklow in particular to be targeted. How can we ensure a consistency of approach between local authorities? How can we ensure that Wicklow County Council will use the powers at its disposal to tackle dereliction?
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for raising this. Arklow certainly needs that sort of focus in terms of eliminating dereliction. The Deputy's observations are exactly correct and conform with those of the Government. The Minister has produced data in respect of this matter. Some local authorities do far more than others, which motivated the decision in the recent budget to move enforcement in respect of dereliction to Revenue. The view is that this will, in its own way, bring consistency. A lot of mapping, etc., has to happen. I hope the process in that regard accelerates as quickly as possible. The view would be that Revenue being involved might concentrate minds a bit more and bring about a greater level of performance across the board. Local authorities should still be actively pursuing this issue. Limerick did very well on dereliction. Other local authorities did very little on it.