LATEST: Three derelict houses in Kildare are focus of RTE investigation
The properties, owned by transport group CIÉ, were added to Kildare County Council's derelict sites register in 2023.
Three derelict houses beside Hazelhatch and Celbridge train station remain vacant six years after redevelopment options were first discussed, according to a new RTÉ Investigates report examining State-owned properties on derelict sites registers nationwide.
The properties, owned by transport group CIÉ, were added to Kildare County Council's derelict sites register in 2023. Council records show a site meeting in 2020 heard proposals to either demolish or refurbish the houses, but neither option has been carried out.
The findings form part of a wider investigation which found that State bodies, including the HSE, CIÉ, the Office of Public Works and the Department of Education, are listed as owners of a number of derelict properties across the country.
Under the Derelict Sites Act, local authorities can place neglected properties on a register and impose annual levies on owners. In some cases, this has resulted in State organisations effectively paying fines to other arms of the State.
RTÉ Investigates identified eight entries linked to CIÉ on derelict sites registers in counties including Kildare, Dublin, Kilkenny, Limerick and Westmeath.
In response, CIÉ said the Kildare houses are located in an area connected to the proposed Dart+ South West project. The company acknowledged the properties' status and said future development plans are being considered.
The investigation also found that CIÉ has paid more than €200,000 in derelict site levies in recent years.
The Department of Housing said work is underway on a new national digital derelict sites register, expected to be launched later this year, aimed at improving transparency around vacant and derelict properties.
Conn Corrigan’s report, RTÉ Investigates: Left to Rot, will be broadcast on on Tuesday evening edition at 9:35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.