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Derelict sites

Derelict sites can have a detrimental impact on the social, economic, commercial and visual aspects on the surrounding neighbourhood. It is important that they are reported, investigated and rendered non-derelict.

The Derelict Sites Act requires that the owner and occupier of land ensure that the land or structures do not become or do not continue to be a derelict site.

The Act defines a Derelict Site as any land which detracts, or is likely to detract, to a material degree from the amenity, character or appearance of land in the neighbourhood of the land in question because of;

  • structures which are in a ruinous, derelict or dangerous condition, or
  • the neglected, unsightly or objectionable condition of the land or structures, or
  • the presence, deposit or collection of litter, rubbish, debris or waste.

Under the Act, this Council has the authority to:

  1. Serve a Notice on the owner/occupier specifying works to be carried out to prevent or abate dereliction
  2. Acquire by agreement or compulsorily any derelict site
  3. Impose an annual levy on any derelict site, which is considered to be urban land, which stands entered on the Derelict Sites Register on the 1st January of that year. From January 2020, the levy shall be 7% of the market value of the land/site.

Reports of dereliction are investigated, the ownership is established and the owner is contacted.

If you have a query relating to a Derelict site please contact the relevant Municipal District.

Athlone Municipal District: 090 644 2150;

Mullingar Municipal District: 044 933 2021.

A copy of the Derelict Sites Register is available to view at the Council Offices.

Report a derelict site

Derelict site

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