Louth councillor welcomes work on derelict buildings

Sinn Féin Councillor Pearse McGeough has welcomed the work being done in Castlebellingham addressing the growing number of derelict buildings.

Cllr McGeough said: “Over the past number of years there has been an increasing number of buildings in Castlebellingham falling into dereliction and it is having a detrimental effect on the area.

“I am pleased that the Council is engaging with the owners of some of these buildings and hopefully that endeavour will bear fruit.

“In 2021 I had a motion passed at the Council asking for a ‘Village Health Check’ to be carried out in the Castlebellingham/Kilsaran area.

“What this means is that a complete audit of assets, needs, strengths and weaknesses in the area are identified.

“Relevant stakeholders including building owners, businesses, community groups and residents of the area all come together and work out a plan of what is needed to make the area a thriving hub once again and that it reached its full potential.”

Cllr McGeough said “at the time I was told that no sources of funding were available but the ‘Health Check’ would be considered when those circumstances changed.

“I believe that now would be an ideal time for that ‘Health Check’ to take place to work alongside the audit of derelict buildings and any improvements taking place.

“We cannot allow the area to deteriorate any further.”