Motion to combat vacancy and dereliction in Tipperary defeated

Councillor Annemarie Ryan’s proposal to increase commercial charges for vacant properties was defeated at this week’s sitting of the Tipperary County Council budget meeting.

Under the 2024 budget adopted on Friday, those liable for rates on commercial vacant of below €5,000 can apply for abatement of 100%.

Those liable for between €5,000 and €10,000 can apply for 80% abatement, and those greater than €10,000, 60%.

Cllr Ryan proposed lowering the amount of rebates for the second two groups. She also proposed preventing owners with a site on the derelict list from accessing any waiver.

The motion was originally seconded by Cllr David Dunne, who said:

“It’s not fair to get a rebate when they leave their building to fall down around them.” He said support is available in the form of the Croi Conithe Scheme.

Cllr Pat English also supported the motion saying they had talked about addressing vacancy and dereliction enough.

OPPOSITION

However, several councillors voiced their opposition to the proposal. Cllr Siobhan Ambrose said she acknowledged the ‘intent’ but couldn’t support the motion.

She said she has been assisting owners who are making efforts to bring their buildings back into use.

But planning delays, Covid-19 and escalating costs have made it impossible.

“As I speak, I can see their faces," said Cllr Ambrose.

Cllr Michael Murphy said he would not support the motion because there were two types of vacancy, and the proposal was a “catch-all.”

He said there are many owners he knows of in Clonmel who cannot rent their properties.

“We need to be very very careful,” said Cllr Murphy.

Cllr Seamus Hanafin said he has assisted a woman whose business closed a long time ago, but she lives above the shop.

He said another person he knows of tried to buy a property that had outstanding rates.

The new owner was not liable, but the amount of paperwork it requires to prove that can be off-putting.

“I have no time for people who leave properties to go derelict. “They have a responsibility, but this is not the solution,” said Cllr Hanafin.

Cllr Richie Molloy said public meetings to address vacancy and dereliction are well attended.

He said that tells him that owners want to address the issue.“I would be reluctant to put charges on people," said Cllr Molloy.

Cllr Annemarie asked for feedback on the second part of her proposal, which was to stop people with properties on the dereliction list from accessing the rebate.

“We have to tackle dereliction seriously,” said Cllr Ryan.

The motion went to vote and was defeated 24 to four.