A councillor has called for the local municipal authority to purchase at least 14 houses which have become derelict.
Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry McMonagle says that at least 14 houses in Meadowbank, in the Long Lane area of Letterkenny, could be purchased, refurbished and used for social housing.
The houses – many of which are now owned by banks or lending institutions – have been in a state of disrepair for some time now and have become an eyesore for what Councillor McMonagle says are ‘long-suffering residents’.
“This is something that I have been raising regularly with the Council,” he told Donegal Daily.
“I believe that through the Urban Regeneration Fund we can finally address the dereliction at Meadowbank.
“I am hoping that colleagues on Council will support my motion.”
Councillor McMonagle says a proposal can be made via the Urban Regeneration Fund to fund a pilot scheme.
A motion from Councillor McMonagle to tomorrow’s meeting of the Letterkenny Municipal District asks: ‘That this Municipal District initiates a process whereby we identify the current owners of the Derelict houses in Meadowbank, Letterkenny with a view to buying those houses and refurbishing them for use as Social Houses. To fund this scheme I propose that we make an application to the Urban Regeneration Fund when it opens up for applications this month.’