Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The issue is a monstrosity of a boundary wall that is 14 ft. to 16 ft. high and was built without permission in October 2007. Louth County Council stopped it in progress and the developer subsequently applied for retention, which the council refused. The developer appealed the decision to An Bord Pleanála, which upheld the council's decision, stating in its report, "This development is unsustainable, backland development and totally inappropriate in a residential area". The wall was built seven and a half years ago and it remains to this day and greatly devalues the nearby houses. Some three years later, Louth County Council received an application for permission to build a 2 m wall and granted permission. However, this ugly structure has not been reduced in height and, in my opinion, it never will be. Some three years later, the developer has taken no action.

To add insult to injury, the local authority has deemed the structure unsafe and, 18 months ago, put an unsafe notice on it, which the developer and applicant have ignored. I believe no action will be taken by either developer or applicant and it is long overdue that the local authority take immediate action to demolish and remove this monstrosity. The previous CEO agreed to do it, but given that she was moved to higher places, it has not happened. My raising the issue as a Commencement matter is a last resort due to my frustration at how Louth County Council has handled and prolonged the issue over recent years. I suggest, if possible, that the Minister and perhaps an official from the Department come to see for themselves that I am not exaggerating the situation. It cannot be left any longer.