Call for action amid derelict former Waterford pub building in ‘truly shocking state’
The issue was raised by Cllr Damien Geoghegan at the June meeting of the Dungarvan-Lismore District
A derelict former pub building in County Waterford is in a “truly shocking state”, a council meeting has heard.
The issue was raised by Fine Gael councillor Damien Geoghegan at the June meeting of the Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal District.
Cllr Geoghegan said: “One of the issues I want to bring up today is the condition of the building formerly known as the Old Pike Inn at Kilineen just inside Dungarvan.
“It’s in a truly shocking state at the moment. Nature has literally taken over at this stage.
“I’m just wondering what action we intend taking as a council or have we taken action already? Is it on the Derelict Sites Register? Where is it at?”
He went on to describe how the building has deteriorated over time and expressed frustration that nothing has been done about it.
“It’s been falling into a worsening condition over many, many years now at this stage and we really as a council can’t talk about dereliction if we won’t deal with that.
“That’s the worst one in our entire electoral area I would say. It’s a prominent building.
“There were a number of extensions built on over the years, half finished, never fully complete or whatever.
“I’m just wondering where it’s at because every time I pass it I’m just astonished by the condition of it and nothing seems to be happening.”
Labour Party councillor Thomas Phelan also took issue with the condition of the former pub building.
Cllr Phelan said: “I was up there recently, reporting some potholes and it’s actually after getting worse inside.
“I raised it several years ago for the first time. In fact, I think I reported to the guards years ago that it was an indoor skating venue for skateboarders.
“People had videos up of it on social media at the time and nothing has happened with it.
“It’s an awful shame because it’s detracting from what could be a very nice entrance point as you come over the hill towards Dungarvan so I’d like to know what’s being done about that please.”
In response to the councillors, Aisling O’Sullivan, Senior Planner at Waterford City and County Council, said that the council is aware of the building’s status.
Ms O’Sullivan said: “The Old Pike Inn is on our radar. It is on the Derelict Sites Register.
“There has been communication in relation to that property and I will refer back to the team and come back with an update.”
She went on to outline some of the work that the council is doing to tackle dereliction in the area.
“I suppose just to bear in mind in the Dungarvan Electoral Area alone, we have 126 sites investigated at the moment and 45 of those are actually on the Derelict Sites Register.
“We opened 12 new sites as well and we’ve closed nearly 60 in collaboration with the property owners.”
Ms O’Sullivan concluded by saying that she will take the points made on the Old Pike Inn on board and refer to the relevant council staff.