‘Constructive’ meeting over Cork city flats to be demolished

A “CONSTRUCTIVE” and “valuable” meeting was said to have taken place this week between city council officials and tenants living in local authority-owned flats slated for regeneration.

A group of more than 50 residents attended an information session about the proposals to demolish the flats at Noonan’s Rd, St Finbarr’s Rd, Fort St, and Dean St, and the arrangements in the meantime such as transfers and maintenance.

It followed on-site visits by council chief executive Ann Doherty and deputy chief executive Brian Geaney last year.

Local councillors Mick Finn, Seán Martin, Paudie Dineen, and Fiona Kerins were also in attendance as was election hopeful William O’Brien who had helped raise the residents’ living conditions.

“It was a constructive meeting where issues like poor communication about what is currently happening and what the overall plans are going on from the council’s perspective were addressed,” Independent councillor Mick Finn told The Echo.

“A commitment for better communication and information was made by the housing officials.

“The residents have had to put up with very poor conditions for many, many years so we need to see more action.

“Some have already been transferred out and over 30 units have been boarded up already, which is good, but the prevailing conditions must be constantly monitored for all those who are still on site.”

Mr Finn said that all residents are being encouraged to express their interest in council properties that are coming up on the choice based letting (CBL) system and that this will be the main option for residents of the flat complexes in the short term.

“The redevelopment of these flats could take years, so short-term solutions must be available for residents to transfer... they can always go back to the newly built complexes when that time comes,” he continued.

Independent candidate William O’Brien, who is running for a seat in the South Central ward in the local elections, said he believed there was a “communication gap” between residents and the local authority and said the meeting this week was positive.

“It was a very valuable meeting because people walked away knowing that they have a point of contact now from the regeneration directorate, which is a project liaison officer, to try and help the transition of moving out that bit easier.”