Discussion around derelict Old Mill apartments leads to heated criticism at meeting

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The contentious issue of the Old Mill apartment complex in Ballisodare returned to the agenda of the September meeting of Sligo-Drumcliff Municipal District with Councillors expressing their anger and frustration at the lack of progress being made.

Cllr Thomas Walsh proposed the motion asking Sligo County Council for an update on the complex and whether or not the Council would consider taking charge of the property for the benefit of the local community.

The reply issued by the local authority brought anger from many representatives as it stated, “The owners of the Mill Apartments, Ballisodare have confirmed that they received the report from the consultants who they engaged to carry out the required structural survey.

"This will inform the future direction of the property and Sligo County Council are liaising with the owners of the property on this. The MD members will be informed of progress as appropriate.”

Giving his reaction to the reply, Cllr Walsh said, “This reply is completely unacceptable. That is a scandal. This is to tell us whether the building is safe or not.”

Cllr Walsh added, “Members of the Council are getting very little money to come in here and to be told the owner’s have received a structural report.”

Cllr Marie Casserly also expressed her frustration saying, “It’s not good enough. We are in the dark here.”

Cllr Edel McSharry was also strong in her criticism when she branded the situation, “A disgrace it has gone on this long. Something has to be done. This has such history and the people of Ballisodare and surrounds have made their voices heard.”

The tone of anger and frustration continued when Cllr Thomas Healy addressed the meeting saying, “The Council have a lot of questions to answer.”

Article funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.