'Safety measures must be taken to address safety concerns at Old Cashel Kings Hotel site'

Tipperary Sinn Féin TD Martin Browne and Sinn Féin Councillor for the Tipperary/Cahir/Cashel Municipal District Tony Black have said that measures must be taken to address safety concerns at the derelict Old Cashel Kings Hotel site on the Dublin Road, Ballypadeen, Cashel.

The call comes following reports of anti-social behaviour in the area, and a recent fire which put neighbouring properties at risk.

Deputy Browne said: “Last month a fire occurred at the long-abandoned Cashel Kings Hotel site. The cause of the fire is unknown, but anti-social behaviour at the site is common.

“Not alone did the fire present a real danger to nearby properties, but it also proved difficult to access by the fire services who, upon finding the gate to the property locked, had to use a passageway and the grounds of a neighbouring property in order to tackle the blaze.

“This posed a danger not only to neighbouring properties, but it also presented a danger to local fire service personnel whose ability to access the site was delayed because of a lack of security measures, which also leads to anti-social behaviour.

“This derelict property must now be considered a danger, and appropriate measures must be taken.  

“In light of these concerns, my Sinn Fein colleague, Cllr Tony Black is tabling a motion to address these issues.  

Cllr Black said: “This site must be secured properly, for the safety of local residents and to allow unfettered access for local fire services.

“The property is derelict and must be treated as such.  

“Ultimately, responsibility for the property is with the developer, who I am calling on Tipperary County Council to make contact with and demand that they live up to their responsibilities and install security fencing around the perimeter of the site to prevent anti-social and criminal behaviour from occurring.

“Properties cannot be allowed to remain vacant and serviced for so long – especially properties of this scale.  It is time that action is taken to secure this site in the interests of the locality and emergency services.

“I have tabled a motion for discussion, which I have submitted to the Council.

“The motion is as follows, and I call on all members to support it”:

"That this council will carry out an investigation at the Old Cashel Kings Hotel site on the Dublin Road, Ballypadeen, Cashel.  There are serious security and safety concerns at the site.  This site needs to be assessed and if possible, added to the Derelict Sites Register for Tipperary.  I would also ask that this council interact with the developer and urge that property security fencing be installed around the site to prevent anti-social and criminal behaviour from occurring."