Derelict properties in Wexford town sold to developer for €65,000 must be returned to use in two years

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

Two vacant properties in the heart of Wexford town have been sold to a local developer after the county council acquired them via the derelict sites act. 2A and 5 Mary Street were acquired by Wexford County Council on November 2, 2023 via compulsory purchase order (CPO) after being identified as in long-term dereliction.

The properties had been previously owned by Maria Ryan from Coolcotts and Paddy O’Leary from Barntown and were valued at €23,000 and €27,000 respectively.

On the advice of the sales agent, and due to “the lack of a boundary between the adjacent properties”, the decision was made to dispose of them as one unit at an advised market value of €45,000. A best and final offer of €65,000 was received Slaneyside Property Developments Limited of Ballingly Enterprise Centre, Wellingtonbridg on October 14, 2024.

The purchaser is required to substantially complete works on these properties, so as to render them non derelict, within 24 months of the date of closing of the sale. There will be a buyback option for the council should the works not be completed within the required timeframe.