Legal action possible over condition of building at busy Sligo street

Councillor Declan Bree has described the situation as unacceptable and says it now appears that the only option left to the Council is to take legal action against under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act.

“Traders and business people in High Street have expressed their growing frustration regarding the bollards and metal fencing which was erected on the street by the Council, which has led to the subsequent reduction in car parking spaces.

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“This is having a very serious and negative impact on every commercial outlet in the street.

“Given the current condition of No. 9 High Street, they understand that the Council was left with no option but to cordon the buildings off.

“However, it was expected that the owners would have taken the necessary steps by now to have the building either made safe or demolished.

“The traders and the public who use the street on a daily basis have been more than patient, but enough is enough,” said the Mayor

“I and my Council colleagues in the town, and indeed the traders, are very much aware of the efforts the Council’s engineering staff have made to have this case resolved over the past number of months.

“But it now appears that the only option left open to the Council is to commence legal action.

“Under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, if the Council considers that a structure is dangerous it can direct the owner to make it safe, this includes works such as demolition.

“The legislation allows the Council to prosecute an owner who does not comply with notices served and it also allows the Council to carry out necessary works and charge the owner for the cost.

“It is clearly unacceptable for any property owner or company to hold a street to ransom for such a length of time.

“The only remaining action now open to the Council is legal action,” the Mayor said.