Wicklow council may sell housing stock to fund repairs for neglected estates

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

Wicklow County Council may be forced to sell off some of its most derelict properties to raise money for long-overdue repairs on neglected estates.

The potential move was revealed as officials from the local authority said they have nearly completed a survey of all houses within the Farrankelly Estate near Delgany,

The local authority has been heavily criticised for their failure to resolve a catalogue of issues faced by residents in the area for years.

These include issues with attic insulation, water supply as well as complaints that the access ramp outside the estate is “not the correct gradient”, for wheelchairs users.

Following a question from Cllr Stephen Stokes during the council’s September monthly meeting, chief executive Emer O’Gorman said the surveys are in the closing stages.

“The condition surveys have been completed bar I think two units within the estate. We're trying to arrange access to those two units. The funding then is the next question.

"The Department of Housing tell us routinely that we're supposed to fund from our own resources for housing maintenance, but this isn't housing maintenance, this is housing refurbishment. So, no more than the case of Hillview in Wicklow town we will prepare a business case to talk to them about it.”

Cllr Stokes expressed concern around how the funding can be accessed.

“There seems to be plenty of money from Government to purchase new houses, but we cannot forget about current tenants nationally and locally. The funding needed is likely to be substantial and there may be other estates or houses around County Wicklow that also need remedial works.”

In response Ms O’Gorman said they are reviewing the situation closely.

“There is a policy around looking at our vacant and derelict housing stock to see can we move those to create additional income streams for the council, and we will progress that.”

Director of services Michael Nicholson said they will make an application for funding to carry out works.

“We will make a submission to the Department for funding because it is capital works. We will be supplementing this if we can by selling council houses. These will be houses that are in such a bad state that they cannot be made reasonably fit at reasonable expense.

“So, we're talking about the worst of the worst. It won't be wholesale selling of council properties.” he added.

Following a request from Cllr Lourda Scott Mr Nicholson indicated a report on the surveys carried out will be distributed.

“I can assure you that it is our intention to work with the members on Farrankelly.

“So, we will send out the report as soon as it is finished.” he added.

Meanwhile Cllr Louise Fenlon Gaskin said the council should not have to wait to sell those properties.

“I think we should be calling on an urgent meeting with the Minister. I think we should be just moving forward very quick on this now. It's not fair. And after what was on Prime Time with the Hillview estate in Wicklow, I got numerous phone calls from the residents who were very concerned and very upset.”

“I think it would do no harm, if it was possible, to write to the residents just to reassure them that things are moving along.” she added.