Offaly County Council steps In to revive derelict landmark

A long-vacant and increasingly unsightly property in the heart of Tullamore has been purchased by Offaly County Council through regeneration funding, marking a major step in the town's revitalisation efforts.

Speaking at the May meeting of the Tullamore Municipal District, Regeneration Officer Olwen Cooney confirmed that the site, (which was once a garage) had been on the market for years with no interest from private buyers. “No one had engaged with it, so the council has stepped in. Hopefully, we’ll now see it reoccupied,” she said.

Ms. Cooney outlined several potential futures for vacant properties acquired either through agreement or compulsory purchased by the council. Regeneration funding can be used to make them more attracitve and put them back on the market. If that doesn't attract interest, we can redevelop them as a residential units and sell them, or consider a community or social regeneration project. They could have commercial or 'over the shop' potential. If all else fails, some may be suitable for social housing, she said.

She emphasised that the Department encourages this step-by-step approach to reoccupy vacant town centre properties and bring them back to life.

Meanwhile, Offaly County Council is also moving to take ownership of two additional derelict properties in Tullamore through compulsory purchase orders (CPOs).

One such case involves a High Street property, with an application lodged with An Bord Pleanála on April 25. A decision is expected by July 31. A second CPO process is progressing for a site on Harbour Street, with an oral hearing scheduled for May 20 at 10 a.m.

READ NEXT Proposed site for Offaly Hospice 'illogical and contrary to best medical practice' says submission

According to Ms. Cooney, Offaly has already secured between €6 and €7 million in regeneration funding to date, with further investment on the way. A dedicated vacant property team within the council is actively identifying and surveying properties, engaging with owners, reviewing funding options, and pursuing acquisitions either by agreement or through CPO where necessary.

A recent survey of Tullamore identified 40 derelict or vacant properties. Of these, 25 have been prioritised for action under the current regeneration programme.