Two derelict Barrack St houses acquired by city council

118 and 119 Barrack St are owned by the same brothers who own 62-65 North Main St, and An Bord Pleanála is set to rule on their fate too.

The derelict sites on Barrack Street. Credit: Ellie O’Byrne

Two derelict buildings on Barrack Street which have been on the derelict sites register since 2015 have been approved for compulsory purchase by Cork City Council.

118 and 119 Barrack St are owned by David O’Connor, who alongside his brothers, Brian and Pádraig, is also listed as owning 62-65 North Main St, where a dangerous building collapse took place in 2019.

The properties on North Main Street have partially collapsed. Credit: Ellie O’Byrne

An Bórd Pleanála approved the Compulsory Purchase Order of the derelict Barrack St buildings last week, despite objections by representatives of Mr O’Connor as well as by Ceres Real Estate (Ireland) Limited, a receiver who stated that the building was due to be sold to pay off debts owed by David and Brian O’Connor.

Mr O’Connor’s solicitors argued that the buildings were not derelict.

However, An Bórd Pleanála’s inspector concluded that the buildings did meet the definition of derelict and approved the Compulsory Purchase Order by Cork City Council. Her full report can be read here.

A decision on the fate of 62-65 North Main St is due within weeks.

A poster calling for the end of dereliction on a derelict building on Barrack Street. Credit: Ellie O’Byrne

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