Andrew McMurray MLA welcomes Dilapidation Bill
South Down Alliance MLA Andrew McMurray has welcomed a new Dilapidation Bill being brought forward by DAERA.
It came as Minister Muir visited Downpatrick to meet with Emma Bohill, CEO of Down Business Centre.
Mr McMurray said: “It was great to see Minister Muir visit South Down and engage with representatives of Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group who could show first-hand some of the issues that could be addressed by the proposed Bill.
“It was a great opportunity to highlight dilapidation within Downpatrick and hear about the Minister’s proposals to address this widespread problem.
“Minister Muir’s proposed Bill will equip councils with the toolkit that they need to address dilapidated and dangerous buildings within their area, giving councils the power to enforce remedial works to dilapidated buildings and recover the costs where necessary.
“This legislation could be transformative for rural towns such as Downpatrick and shows the Minister’s and Alliance’s commitment to Downpatrick, South Down, and rural Northern Ireland more broadly.
“Rural town centres have suffered a lot in recent years and Minister Muir’s Dilapidation Bill is a crucial piece in the jigsaw to turn their fortunes around.
“Other Ministers need to follow suit and do their part to help drive regeneration and deliver thriving neighbourhoods for the benefit of local communities.”
Emma Bohill, Down Business Centre CEO, said: “It was lovely to have another Minister in Downpatrick today to see our vision for the town’s future.
