Anger over vacant building in Mahon

CITY Hall is to carry out a review on a vacant building in the heart of Mahon amid fears about increasing antisocial behaviour.

The former Lakelands Tavern has been the subject of break-ins, drug use, antisocial behaviour and a number of fires in recent times. 

City councillors Chris O'Leary and Nicholas O'Keeffe have raised concerns about the building, adding that there is 'growing resentment' in the community about the site.

Both elected members raised the matter at a meeting of Cork City Council, calling for the local authority to take action to tackle the issues associated with the pub and immediate surrounds.

Mr O'Keeffe said: "It could take someone to lose a life in there to take action."

Officials at City Hall said that a review is due 'before the year's end.'

Mr O'Leary welcomed that steps were being taken but warned that it is merely part of the problems in the wider area.

He called for progress on the delivery of a library in Mahon, as well as the sale of the now vacant Abode site, which was demolished earlier this year, and progress with the Bessboro site.

The south-east remains only ward in the city not to have a dedicated library.

Options for the development of one are being explored, according to city officials, though funding remains prohibitive.

It is understood that the sale of the former Abode site, on the Skehard Road, may prompt the acquisition of a library site.

It is available for sale until the end of October at which time options will be considered.

The former health centre on Lakelands Crescent has also been proposed as an option, though Cork City Council does not yet own this site.

Mr O'Leary said, "The concerns here are around the development of a library. The fact that options are being explored is welcome as there is a strong petition locally for the development of a library."

The former Lord Mayor said that progress on these issues could lead to the development of a new 'town square' at Avenue de Rennes, with City officials confirming that a 'strategic review' of the area is underway.