Tipperary Council Approves Demolition of 52 Derelict Cashel Houses After 20 Years
Tipperary County Council approved the demolition of 52 derelict, half-built houses in Cashel, idle for nearly 20 years. The units, originally for a never-built hotel, are on unzoned land and deemed financially unviable for reuse due to defects. This decision protects the Rock of Cashel's visual setting and addresses dereliction.
Tipperary County Council has approved the demolition of 52 derelict, half-built houses at Ballypadeen in Cashel. These units, idle for nearly 20 years, were originally granted planning permission solely as tourism accommodation linked to a hotel development that was never constructed.
The council stated the site is on unzoned, unserviced land outside the Cashel settlement boundary, conflicting with planning policy. A detailed assessment and public consultation, along with independent technical assessments, identified significant defects making reuse financially unviable. The demolition stems from a binding mediated settlement agreement between the council and the landowner.
CEO Sinead Carr acknowledged the case's complexity and public feeling amid the housing crisis but emphasized decisions must align with planning law and sustainable development. The council noted Cashel has a strong pipeline of housing in suitable locations. The demolition will also protect the visual setting of the Rock of Cashel and address long-term dereliction.