24-06-2025
Derelict north Louth building attracting squatters and vandals
Cllr Fiona Mhic Chonaigle highlighted a derelict building in Omeath where four men had recently been squatting.
The building, known as Dublin House, had a dereliction and 'dangerous' notice placed on it, but since then there have been four squatters on the property.
She also pointed to incidents where teenagers had been going into the building and up on to the roof and breaking glass.
She had met with local gardai and Omeath Tidy Towns at the property to look at ways in which access to the building could be blocked off.
"This is on the main street, on the main road, and I am asking if the council has any responsibility in trying to secure this building.'
She added that a dangerous building notice was clearly visible on a wall which is beside the footpath.
Thomas McEvoy, Deputy Chief Executive at Louth County Council said the local authority had notices on the building, but that it was the responsibility of the landowner. He said that he would investigate the issues raised in relation to the building, and a council representative would go out to look at the building in the coming days.
"If there is an imminent danger, and dependent on engagement with the owner, there are steps we can take, But we will inspect the situation first.'
The council heard that if there were squatters in the building, efforts could be made to get them to engage with the homeless section within Louth County Council.
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