Midlands Towns Blighted By Derelict Properties As Councillors Demand Action

Denis Leonard is making the claim.

Midlands Communities are left to suffer as derelict properties continue to blight towns.

That is according to councillor Denis Leonard who says his local community of Mullingar has been negatively impacted by dereliction. 

His comments come as fellow Mullingar/Kinnegad councillor Niall Gaffney recently sought confirmation from the finance minister that money collected by the revenue for derelict property tax will be re-invested in local areas.

Midlands communities are being left to suffer as derelict properties continue to blight towns.

That is according to Councillor Denis Leonard, who says his local community of Mullingar has been negatively impacted by dereliction.

He says that dereliction has serious effects on communities, particularly rural communities.

He summarised the issue, saying: "It stagnates everything".

Councillor Leonard highlighted that communities are dependent on families staying in their local areas and new families joining the community.

However, as levels of dereliction rise, the number of available living spaces declines, making it more difficult for people to settle in their local areas.

The Labour councillor highlighted that this affects the number of children in rural schools, as well as the number of people available to play sport, join clubs or volunteer groups.

Councillor Leonard believes that such activities are all essential elements of community life and help keep local areas active and thriving.

His comments come as fellow Mullingar/Kinnegad councillor Niall Gaffney recently sought confirmation from the Minister for Finance that money collected by Revenue through the Derelict Property Tax will be reinvested in local areas.

Councillor Leonard says he was happy to support this motion, as dereliction is a significant issue in Ireland at the moment.

He believes tackling the problem is important to protecting communities and ensuring towns and villages remain attractive places to live.

Cllr Leonard says high levels of derelict houses lessen the amount of affordable houses available in rural areas.

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