Derelict Sites

What is a derelict site:

A derelict site is any land that significantly detracts from the surrounding area’s amenity, character, or appearance due to: 

• The site being in ruin, derelict, or has dangerous structures.
• Being neglected and unsightly.
• An accumulation of litter, rubbish, debris, and waste. 

What is the council’s role regarding derelict sites:

• We conduct ongoing inspections of derelict sites.
• We work with property owners to resolve issues.
• We prepare reports with recommendations after post inspection.
• We take steps to ensure the land does not remain derelict. 

What happens when the council deems a site to be derelict: 

• The owner receives a letter requesting remediation plans.
• The owner has one month to respond to the initial notice.
• Failure to reply to a formal notice may result in entry on the Derelict Sites Register.
• Representations can be made within one month of the formal notice. 

What does it mean to have a site on the derelict sites register:

• The sites on the register may incur an annual levy of 7% of the market value.
• The owners risk fines and legal action for non-compliance with remediation notices. 

Who can I report a derelict site to:

A Derelict Site can be notified to the Council via the Derelict Sites Complaint Form or details can be emailed to  environment@galwaycoco.ie.