Carlow town's landmark buildings have fallen into ‘rack and ruin’

OWNERS of some of Carlow town’s “landmark buildings” are allowing them to fall into “rack and ruin”, ultimately destroying the fabric of our town.

So claimed cllr John Cassin, who questioned the attitude of the owners of these buildings, some in Carlow town’s most prominent streets.

“A few landmark buildings that are part of the fabric of Carlow town and the owners are letting them go into rack and ruin. They don’t care, they delay and delay and then they are knocked on a whim because nothing had been done for ten or 15 years,” said cllr Cassin.

“Is there any fines, or what are the implications for them?” he added.

Cllr Cassin acknowledged the work of the council in tackling dereliction and vacant properties, but called for tougher actions for property owners who do not maintain their buildings.

Director of services Michael Rainey stated that Carlow had experienced a very positive response to its dereliction and vacate property survey, with many owners now coming on board and working with the council.

“If someone had a property and are wondering what to do, I would encourage them to come in and talk to our vacant homes officer Brigid Deenihan,” he said.

Mr Rainey said the council was vey active in protecting the built fabric of our towns and villages and took “a very strong stance on enforcement”. He added that it was “detrimental” if these properties are not maintained.