Warning over unfinished apartment block

RESIDENTS in a Northside housing estate are calling for an unfinished apartment block to be demolished or completed before a tragic accident occurs.

Last year, residents at the Red Arches development in Baldoyle established a campaign on Facebook entitled

‘Knock the Block’.

Northside People received photographs last week of children climbing along scaffolding after managing to gain access to the site.

Recent posts on the Facebook campaign page include:

“Someone is going to die if nothing is done soon

?, and

“Will it take a death before something is done?

?

A resident in Red Arches, who did not wish to be named, said no matter what security is put up around the site, it seems to be inadequate.

“Even if you make it like Fort Knox, kids will always find a way to get in,

? he told Northside People.

“We’re calling for the block to be either knocked down or finished.

?

The resident said the unfinished block has been the focus of anti-social behaviour and he has seen people drinking in it.

“The rest of the neighbourhood has developed very well; we have a lovely allotments section, and the whole community has been built up,

? he added.

“This is an eyesore for us.

?

Local councillor Cian O’Callaghan (Lab) said he raised the issue at a Malahide/Howth Area Committee on October 3, 2012.

I was subsequently contacted by residents about this (problem) on October 9 and raised this in writing with the derelict sites section of the council on the same day,

? he stated.

Cllr O’Callaghan said the council issued an enforcement notice to the developer on October 10 requiring him to carry out a number of works.

“The developer subsequently carried out a number of works to make the site more secure, including the removal of scaffolding and the installation of an internal fence for security purposes,

? he stated.

“The council’s derelict sites section then decided to take no further action.

“However, while the works that the developer carried out made an improvement to the security of the site, it remains unsafe and there have been multiple trespasses by children.

“Together with local residents I have reported these to the council. Local residents have sent the council photographic evidence of minors dangerously trespassing on the unfinished apartment block shell.

?

Cllr O’Callaghan said residents have been campaigning for several months and are understandably worried that a serious accident will take place on this building site.

“Under national legislation we are prohibited as councillors from instructing the council to take any action in the areas of planning enforcement and derelict sites – we can only request that the council takes action,

? he explained.

“I have made multiple requests in writing to the council to take further action under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 and Sanitary Services Act since October.

“I also raised the need for further enforcement action by way of a formal motion at the local area committee meeting of the council on May 3.

?

A spokeswoman for Fingal County Council said the site is currently in the ownership of Menolly Homes.

“Fingal County Council have been in contact with Menolly Homes in relation to the unauthorised access to the area, and precautionary measures are currently being undertaken on site to address the matter,

? she told Northside People.

The person dealing with the issue at Menolly Homes was unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.