Derelict Sites

Waterford City and County Council are responsible for dealing with derelict sites in Co. Waterford.  The Local Authority investigate reports of dereliction and undertakes action in accordance with the Derelict Sites Act 1990.

This Act allows local authorities to:

  • Include a derelict site on a Derelict Sites Register
  • Serve a notice on the owner specifying works to be carried out to prevent or stop dereliction or placing the site on the Derelict Sites Register
  • Carry out the necessary works themselves and charge the site owner(s) for the cost
  • Impose an annual levy of 7% of the market value on any derelict site in an urban area
  • Acquire a derelict site by agreement or compulsory purchase order

The Derelict Sites Act requires all local authorities to keep a Derelict Sites Register. You can view this document here.


A Derelict Site
means any land which detracts, or is likely to detract, to a material degree, from the amenity, character or appearance of land in the neighbourhood of the land in question because of the following:

  • The existence on the land in question of structures which are in a ruinous, derelict or dangerous condition; or,
  • The neglected, unsightly or objectionable condition of the land or any structures on the land in question; or,
  • The presence, deposit or collection on the land in question, of any litter, rubbish, debris or waste, except where the presence, deposit or collection of such litter, rubbish, debris or waste results from the exercise of a right conferred by or under statute or by common law.

In the event that your property/land is identified as a derelict site, Waterford City and County Council can advise you regarding statutory notices and the necessary repairs required, to comply with the law.

If these works are not carried out within an agreed timeframe, your property/land may be added to the Derelict Sites Register. Inclusion on this Register may lead to a levy being imposed or in some cases a compulsory purchase of the property or land may be pursued.

Landowners and occupiers should be aware that under the Derelict Sites Act 1990, it is an offence to:

  • Remove, damage or deface any statutory notice posted by the local authority on or regarding a derelict site.
  • Fail to carry out the measures required by the local authority to prevent a property from being classed as derelict within an agreed timeframe.
  • Fail to notify the local authority of the transfer of land or interest in land (other than by will or on an intestacy) from one person to another. Both parties must notify the local authority in writing within four weeks of the transfer.
  • Fail to notify the local authority of the transfer of land or interest in land by will or on an intestacy. The new owner must notify the local authority in writing within six months and the representative of the person under whose will or upon whose intestacy the transfer occurred must notify the local authority in writing within two months.
  • Prevent an authorised person from entering or carrying out authorised business on any land for any purpose connected with the Derelict Sites Act 1990.

For further information please contact us via email: derelictsites@waterfordcouncil.ie


 

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