Backing for call to tackle dereliction in Offaly

Local Fine Gael councillor, Neil Feighery has backed Tánaiste Simon Harris's call for stronger action on derelict properties, saying tackling dereliction is essential if Ireland is to address its housing shortage.

The Tullamore Municipal District area councillor said: "I fully agree with the Tánaiste. We have derelict and vacant buildings right across our area that could be homes, and the powers to act already exist, grants, the derelict sites levy, and CPOs.

“The frustration is that these tools aren't being used consistently enough. Where the levy is properly applied to owners and developers, it works.

"Every derelict building brought back into use is a home for a family and a boost for our town centres. I want to see the council use every power available to it, and I'll be pushing for that," vowed the Killoughey based public representative.

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