Re: Re: Bank of Ireland (former), Royal Avenue, Belfast

In the absence of tenants willing to pay the market rate for rent, should the authorities consider in some way making temporary use of vacant buildings by voluntary groups obligatory, until such time as a commercial tenant is found?

Too many buildings or parts of buildings in prominent locations on main streets in Ireland’s towns and cities are vacant. A walk around the centre of Youghal, Raphoe, Dublin, Ardee or most other towns and cities in Ireland confirms this. These towns and cities are an essential part of what makes Ireland distinctive. People want to live and work in attractive and distinctive places, and tourists want to visit them.

If action is not taken, buildings and towns will continue to deteriorate and decline, and Ireland will lose one of the most important, widespread and tangible aspects of its heritage.