THE PROBLEM of unfinished housing estates, or ‘ghost estates’ as they are sometimes referred as, is in the news again following the latest report from the Department of the Environment on the issue which shows that there has been only a marginal improvement nationally and that the problem continues to blight the Wexford landscape.

Coill Na Giuise, at Ballytegan, on the outskirts of Gorey town, where only seven of 79 planned luxury developments of three and four bedrooms, were ever finished is under the spotlight and its future is being considered by Wexford County Council.

The estate also became a target for vandalism to the finished houses and anti-social behaviour on the site.

Cllr. Malcolm Byrne says the case for demolition of some of the worst unfinished estates is now stronger than ever. One instance is Coill Na Giuise in Gorey, where partial demolition has already taken place.

“This unfinished estate has no residents and an area of wooded land was cleared to make way for houses that are now beyond repair, said Cllr. Byrne, who added, “It would be cheaper to demolish the properties than to repair them.”

He claims the councillors were told to hold back when they sought to have them cleared for safety and public amenity reasons, but, “I predicted at the time that they would continue to deteriorate and no action would be taken.”

Unfinished estates and derelict buildings attract antisocial behaviour and dumping as well as being unsightly and unfair on residents who have to live nearby.

“I am again seeking that the Coill na Giuise site be cleared and that tougher action be taken on derelict properties, including the placing of dereliction levies on such properties,” concluded Cllr. Byrne.

More in this week’e edition of The Gorey Echo.