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14 Nov 2025
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14 Nov 2025
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Rats as big as cats were spotted in the derelict house
Carrick-on-Suir councillors have condemned the “shocking state” of a derelict house in a residential neighbourhood in their hometown where rats as big as cats were once spotted in its front window.
Carrick Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr David Dunne and Cllr Kieran Bourke highlighted the condition of the St Nicholas Park house at the monthly meeting of Carrick-on-Suir MD councillors.
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Referring to the council’s power to compulsory purchase properties, Cllr Dunne asked the local authority to use what it had in its armoury to solve the problem of houses like this.
He declared the privately owned house in St Nicholas Park was in a shocking state. The property was an overgrown eyesore with trees 30ft high.
The Sinn Féin councillor said this house was vacant a number of years and asked the council how long were the owners going to be given to sort out the situation with this residence. He pointed out that people were “crying out” for houses and would give their right and left hands for that house.
Cllr Bourke echoed Cllr Dunne’s concerns and reminded council management he reported the poor condition of the house to the council as well as the health services five years ago.
“I have a video of rats as big cats in the front windows. People have to live at both sides of this property,” he pointed out.
The Fianna Fáil councillor said he was told by a previous district administrator that the local authority could do nothing about the problem.
Both councillors also highlighted the poor condition of a vacant four-bedroom house in Dunbane in Carrick-on-Suir with council officials at the meeting.
Cllr Bourke said the sale of a house nearby fell through recently because of this derelict property.
He agreed with Cllr Dunne that the council has to take action to deal with derelict properties like this in the town.
“We as a council need to grow teeth and try and do something about it.”
And if the council doesn’t have sufficient powers, Cllr Bourke proposed a letter be sent to the relevant department seeking the necessary powers.
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