Cllr Paula Butterly calls for a review of protected structures to address redevelopment barriers in Louth

Fine Gael Councillor and Louth General Election candidate, Paula Butterly, has tabled a motion at Louth County Council aimed at reviewing the list of protected structures in County Louth.

The review seeks to identify buildings that may inhibit redevelopment and contribute to urban decay, impacting both town centres and rural areas.

Cllr Butterly said her motion highlights the pressing issues stemming from the current protections in place, which can inadvertently hinder necessary renovations and development.

Many buildings on the Record of Protected Structures are left to deteriorate, with some facades posing safety risks by crumbling onto the streets, she said.

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Additionally, in rural areas, planning permissions are often denied for renovations of old farmhouses and other structures due to their protected status, removing valuable housing stock from the market.

“While it is essential to preserve our architectural heritage, we must also consider the practical implications of these protections,” said Cllr Butterly.

“If we allow buildings to fall into disrepair because their status makes redevelopment financially unviable, we are failing our communities.

"We need to strike a balance that allows for renovation and revitalization while respecting our heritage.”

Cllr Butterly's motion calls for a comprehensive review to be completed within twelve months, focusing on both urban and rural contexts.

She proposes that a list of structures be evaluated quarterly, aiming for transparency and collaboration among council members to ensure that only those buildings truly deserving of protection remain on the list.

“The goal is not to erase our history but to ensure that our towns and villages thrive.

"We must enable developers and homeowners to breathe new life into these spaces without the burden of unrealistic costs,” she added.

Cllr Butterly encourages her fellow council members to support this initiative, emphasising the importance of revitalising Louth’s architectural landscape while safeguarding the future of its communities.