Oral hearing into derelict site in Tullamore cancelled due to illness
The premises is one of 23 Offaly sites on the Derelict Sites register
An oral hearing arranged by An Bord Pleanala which had been due to take place this morning, May 20, in relation to a derelict site on Harbour Street in Tullamore was cancelled.
Offaly County Council is seeking to compulsory purchase the site. Owners of the property Dermot and Teresa Horan are objecting.The purpose of the oral hearing was to allow both sides to state their case.
Chairing the meeting, John Duffy inspector with An Bord Pleanala postponed the meeting when it was learned that Dermot Horan was unable to attend.
Solicitor Robert Scanlon representing Mr Horan said his client was unable to attend because of illness. He said he was not in a position to continue as Mr Horan wanted an opportunity to speak. He said not to terminate the meeting would be a denial of his client's rights and would be prejudicial to him
Mr Duffy said he was keen to hear from Mr Horan as it was important. However, he said he was cognisant of the summer holidays coming up and asked for the meeting to be reconvened to June 18. Offaly County Council was in agreement.
The old residence which is one of 25 Offaly sites on the Derelict Sites register is valued at €130,000.
Offaly County Council are also seeking to purchase a property on High Street, Tullamore. This too is before An Bord Pleanala and a decision is due on October 9 next.