Kildare Councillor Warns Property Owners To Make Use Of Vacant Premises

He says he will identify vacant properties in Naas and Sallins.

A Kildare County Councillor has asked the public to help him catalogue all vacant shops, houses and land in Naas and Sallins.

Cllr Bill Clear says that his aim is to either encourage the property owners to do something with the property, or failing that, put them on the Derelict Site Register.

He says it’s a necessary element of dealing with building supply. 

“Increasing supply isn't just about building new buildings, It's about managing the empty buildings we already have which have not been used, " he insisted.

“I am often contacted by businesses who cannot find a premises in Naas, even though the Main Street alone has 18 empty commercial buildings,” he explained.

Cllr Clear says he will take pictures of the buildings, record the addresses and try to identify their owners.

“Once I have determined the status of the building or land I will see if they can be renovated or rented.

“I will then inform the owners of the options and grants available to them to renovate the property and assist them in this process - and I will get a valuation of the property and contacts of local auctioneers.

“If that does not work out I will place them on the derelict site register which will cost the owners 7% of the value of their property per annum.

“I will request that any empty commercial buildings are properly advertised for rental and are available for new businesses who will also receive incentives to improve the buildings.

“I will place the land which is either zoned or given planning permission on the vacant site register and make a submission on any rollover of permissions that have no development in five years.

“Although Naas is Ireland’s cleanest town, as judged by IBAL, we need this to be complemented by action by Kildare Environment and Planning sections on derelict buildings,” he added.

The Social Democrats councillor believes that if councillors or the Council do nothing about the problem of vacant properties local towns and villages will crumble while their outskirts will continue to pull business away from the urban centres.

Cllr. Clear joined 'Kildare Today' on Thursday morning: