A one-stop-shop physiotherapy clinic is helping to slash waiting lists
A new Physiotherapy ‘One Stop Shop’ designed to provide tailored, on the spot treatment and advice for patients across the South Eastern Trust is helping to improve patient recovery and reduce waiting times.
More than 200 patients took part in the Trust’s first-ever Musculoskeletal (MSK) Physiotherapy Community Appointment Day, held at Lisburn Primary and Community Care Centre.
The innovative initiative invited patients currently on Physiotherapy waiting lists, to attend a single appointment where they received a one-to-one assessment with a Physiotherapist, were signposted to relevant services, classes and information and supported to better manage their specific MSK condition.
The clinic enabled patients to access timely and effective Physiotherapy care on the day, rather than remaining on a waiting list.
Patient Margaret Brannigan shared how she has been living with Sciatica and how much she benefitted from her one-to-one with Physiotherapist Reuben McIlrath.
Physiotherapist Reuben McIlrath with patient Margaret Brannigan.
Margaret said: “I have had a real understanding about my condition from the Physiotherapist. It has been so beneficial to know that I am not alone, that I can get help and that I am not a lost cause.”
Margaret also praised the overall set up of the day, and added: “It has been great. I have been on the waiting list for Physiotherapy for a year and coming here has been so informative.
“I have been steered towards a class in the Leisure Centre which incorporates chair exercises. Coming today has been so helpful for me and I feel so much better.”
Another patient, Francis Gorman, who lives with Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), said his appointment helped him realise he could do more than he first thought.
Francis added: “Through the help of Physiotherapist, George McBride, I now know I can do more than I initially thought with my condition.
“George explained everything in terms of what is available to me. If someone is invited to attend the day, I would definitely advise them to come along. I am going to sign up for a Pilates class and the experience has turned out even better than I expected.”
Physiotherapist George McBride (right) with Francis Gorman. Physio one-stop-shop appointments are helping to cut waiting lists.
South Eastern Trust, Physiotherapy Project Lead for Community Appointment Days, Nikki Scott said: “This new initiative invites patients from our waiting lists with Musculoskeletal pain to come to find out what matters most to them and to meet them to see where they are at.
“We are offering a wide range of services, including ‘What Matters to You?’ conversations with our Physiotherapists, one-to-one assessments, a rehabilitation area, as well as advice and guidance.
“We are also delighted to have many of our community sector partners involved.”
Nikki added: “We are really hoping that this initiative will make a holistic difference for patients. This Community Appointment Day is about seeing the person behind the patient and it is our aim that this makes an impact on our service and gives the patient what they need under one roof.
“Many of our patients have waited a long time for Physiotherapy. This approach allows us to see people sooner, provide meaningful support and ultimately help reduce our waiting lists.”
Hazzard welcomes major repair works for B8 Killcoo-Hilltown Road
South Down MP Chris Hazzard has welcomed confirmation from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) that major resurfacing works are scheduled to begin on the B8 Kilcoo – Hilltown Road on February 9th.
Essential works come following a period of significant disrepair on the strategic route, which was further exacerbated by recent spells of harsh winter weather.
The Sinn Féín MP said: “I am pleased to confirm that following our continued engagement with DfI Roads, they have agreed to commence major resurfacing works on the B8 Kilcoo – Hilltown Road on 9th February.
“This is a vital strategic route for our local community, but it has unfortunately fallen into dangerous disrepair in several locations recently.
“It is welcome news for residents, commuters, and families who use this road daily that these major repairs are now starting.
Chris Hazzard, South Down Sinn Féin MP has welcomed a start date for improvements to the Kilcoo-Hilltown Road.
Welcoming the progress, Cllr Niall Lawlor added: “This is a great result for the local area. We have been inundated with calls from residents and drivers worried about the safety and impact of these potholes on their vehicles.
“We have consistently highlighted the need for these repairs to DfI Roads.
“I’m delighted that a start date is now in sight for the Kilcoo – Hilltown Road, and we will continue to work hard to ensure other priority spots across the area are also addressed.
Commenting on broader road safety concerns, Mr. Hazzard added: “I have also raised the deteriorating state of the Newcastle to Castlewellan Road as a priority case with the DfI Roads Regional Manager.
“Keeping our rural roads safe and fit for purpose remains a top priority for Sinn Féin.”
Mossley grab the points as Drumaness slow to pull back the goals
The NAFL,
Premier League Division,
Venue: Meadowvale, 24th January 2026,
Final Score: Drumaness Mills 2 3 Mossley FC.
It was a cold and blistery day at Meadowvale as the two teams squared up for this league clash.
At the back of the minds of the Drumaness squad was probably the upcoming match against Glentoran at The Oval on Saturday 7th February for Round 7 of the Intermediate Cup and their thoughts maybe weren’t in the right place for this match.
The Mills had a bye in Round One of the Clear Water Irish Cup, and were lucky to win on penalties away from home against Desertmartin on 4-5 after tying 3-3.
Round 4 saw the Mills at home and they scored six goals against Fivemile Town to their four. And on a very rainy night in Newry, the Mills stepped up to the plate and beat the homeside 1-2 showing that they have the ability to go even farther in this coveted competition.
Then in Round 5 they played Armagh City and beat them 1-4 in Armagh. And now the much awaited Round Six match against Glentoran is on the cards.
The Mills players have proven they can go the distance, they just need the confidence of the day, good plans A and B, and match fitness.
Minnows do win big matches albeit against the odds, and Drumaness could pull off a shock result. They have the firepower in all areas, and will rise to the occasion on the day. Manager Ciaran Brannigan has done well to get the team to this stage but the sky is the limit!
” C’mon the Mills! “
***
Drumaness Mills Lose Out Narrowly To Mossley
Drumaness Mills were slow in making an impact on Mossley who opened up the scoring with a goal from Taylor Agnew on 11 minutes.
Mossley pressed hard from the whistle but Drumnaess fought back and Jack Sharvin won a free kick and crossed the ball to Reece Doyle lurking near the goal area whose shot was blocked.
Gary Murdock was on the bench as a sub and normally captains the team and is a centre back defender, an anchor for the team.
Callum Dougan was testing the back line as usual, and Sharvin was lying back feeding balls to the front line.
None of the Drumaness team players wanted to face an injury just before the Glentoran match so their hesitancy in their approach to the game could be excused.
Mossley’s Stephen Lecky scored on 41 minutes and Drumaness suffered another blow on 44 minutes as Christopher Allan put the visitors three goals in front and the Mills had been coasting in second gear.
But after the half-time break, a different Drumaness came out bringing the game to Mossley but Mossley were not lying down and a shot from Agnew hit the side net just wide.
Sharvin took a free kick from outside the Mossley box and bent the shot from over 30 yards but it just inched over the top bar.
Then eventually on 54 minutes Reece Doyle on the wing crossed in to Sharvin at the back of the Mossley box who first timed a strike into the net heralding a Drumaness comeback.
Drumaness got their tails up and the match certainly hotted up and became more physical, not really what Drumaness wanted in case injuries arose.
Drumaness captain Jack Sharvin attacking for Drumaness Mills as defender Christopher Patterson (Mossley captain) closes in.
Declan Looney was making excellent charges threatening the goal area and Drumaness were slowly turning the game round.
Then in 62 minutes, Reece Doyle received a cross from Sharvin and first-timed it into the Mossley goal reducing the Mossley lead to one goal. And Mossley were reluctant to give up their lead.
Again Sharvin hit over the top bar as Drumaness pressed forward. Midfielder Sean og Gallagher also drove a powerful volley which came off a defender for a corner. And Doyle hit a couple of more strikes on target and was unlucky not to have scored at least one other goal.
Declan Looney in the middle of the Mossley box under pressure tried an overhead kick but it didn’t just fire off straight at the goal due to pressure from defenders but full marks for creativity.
Callum Dougan too was bursting to score and made a number of fine runs at the Mossley goal.
Just before the final whistle, Sharvin made a strong attack into the box flanked by two defenders and went down, his appeal for a penalty going unheaded.
Drumaness had left their comeback just a little too late. A 3-3 draw would have been a fair result, but the strong performance by the whole Drumaness team was reassuring that they can raise their game when they have to.
Doyle came off on 86 minutes replaced by Gary Murdock.
Drumaness are sitting in 10th spot in the Premier League but there is only a few points separating them from the main body of teams below the league leaders and Drumaness will be able to concentrate on their league strategy better after they get the Glentoran match out of the way.
Mossley are currently bottom of the league and could be heading for relegation.
So all roads lead to The Oval in Belfast as Drumaness Mills travel to face Glentoran in the Clear Water Irish Cup Round 6 on Saturday 7th February 2026 at 3pm.
Drumaness Mills: 1 Aaron Carberry (GK) 2 Keegan Domican 3 Thomas McNeill 4 Adam Garland 5 Sean Paul Holland 6 Sean og Gallagher 7 Declan Looney 8 Anton McGrattan 9 Callum Dougan 10 Jack Sharvin (C) 11 Reece Doyle. Subs: 12 Gary Murdock 14 Eoin Murray 15 James McGovern.
Mossley FC: 90 Paul Hughes (GK) 2 Jonathan Coulter 3 Alan McQuitty 4 Christopher Patterson 5 David McCullough 7 Kurt Cooper 8 Stephen Lecky 9 Christopher Allan 10 Taylor Agnew 15 Ryan Worthington 16 Bobbie Crowe. Subs: George Trimble 11 Calum Adams 14 Caiden Elliot.
Step Into Nature: Imbolc Festival Invites You to Learn, Create and Get Involved
Newry Mourne and Down District Council is inviting families, schools, community groups and nature enthusiasts to take part in a series of Imbolc Festival events in Crossmaglen, celebrating the landscapes, wildlife and heritage of the Ring of Gullion.
Taking place from 31 January to 4 February as part of Imbolc Festival 2026 (28 January–8 February), the programme is supported by the Council through the Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership and focuses on how communities can work together to care for the area’s unique environment.
The programme begins on Saturday 31 January with a full-day Soil Chromatography Workshop in Crossmaglen Community Centre. Led by artist Julie Corcoran alongside the Mourne Gullion Strangford Global Geopark and Ring of Gullion AONB teams, the workshop introduces participants to this art–science technique, revealing the hidden patterns and colours within soil.
Want to get closer back to nature? Check out the Imbolc Festival taking place in Crossmaglen.
Participants are encouraged to bring a small soil sample from a place meaningful to them. Booking is essential and the cost is £5.
Also on Saturday 31 January, from 10.30am to 2pm, the ‘Guardians of Gullion’ family-friendly engagement day will take place in Crossmaglen Community Centre.
The event will showcase practical actions people can take to support local nature, with interactive biodiversity stands, conservation groups and free talks on geodiversity, soil health, river protection and local heritage. Activities will also take place in Crossmaglen Library, including a bilingual talk on trees, folklore and place names.
For those unable to attend the full workshop, a Soil Chromatography demonstration will be held on Tuesday 4 February, from 6pm to 7pm, in Crossmaglen Library.
Speaking ahead of the events, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell, said:
“The Ring of Gullion AONB lies within the Mourne Gullion Strangford Global Geopark and are places of exceptional natural and cultural value.
“These events highlight how each of us can play a role in caring for them. By understanding the links between our soils, rivers, wildlife and geology, we can work together to protect these landscapes for generations to come.”
Slieve Croob Councillor Thanks Community After his Annual Air Ambulance Quiz Raises £1,013
Slieve Croob DUP Councillor Alan Lewis has thanked everyone who attended, donated to, and supported this year’s Slieve Croob Air Ambulance NI Quiz, which raised £1,013 for the lifesaving charity.
Councillor Lewis praised the continued generosity of local people who return year after year to support the event and an essential service that makes a real difference across the district.
He said: “Your willingness to come along each year and support this quiz is very much appreciated. The funds raised will go towards a service that is relied upon in the most critical of circumstances across our roads, countryside, and communities,” he said.
“A special word of thanks was given to David Riddell for his work behind the scenes in helping organise the evening.
The Winning Team: Richard Foster and Gang:” (pictured l to r), Zoe Lewis (organiser) Richard Foster, Matthew Foster. Josh Dumigan, Laura Foster, Rachel Dumigan, Ella Foster, David Riddell (Quiz Master) and Cllr Alan Lewis. £1013 was raised for Air Ambulance NI.
“The night simply would not come together in the same way without David’s help and commitment.
“Thanks were also extended to Margaret Ferguson at the Lakeside Inn for hosting the event, and to Thirsty Herd for their generous donation of sandwiches on the night.:
Congratulations were also extended to the quiz winners, Richard Foster and gang.
Councillor Lewis highlighted the importance of the Air Ambulance service to the local area, noting that Newry, Mourne and Down is the most visited district in Northern Ireland by the Air Ambulance.
“The Air Ambulance provides a critical care team at the scene of serious incidents, bringing hospital level treatment directly to patients when every minute counts.
“Whether responding to road traffic collisions, farm accidents, sporting injuries, or medical emergencies in rural locations, this service is often the difference between life and death.
“Our district’s geography, with its rural roads, farmland, coastline, and large hinterland, means that fast access to advanced medical care is not always straightforward. The Air Ambulance bridges that gap, reaching people quickly and providing urgent treatment that would otherwise only be available in hospital.
“That fact alone underlines just how vital this service is to our area and why ongoing support is so important.”
Cllr Lewis thanked everyone once again for playing their part in supporting both the event and the lifesaving service it benefits.
Police are following up on a reported burglary on the Drumaghlis Road Near Crossgar
Police in Downpatrick are investigating the report of a burglary in the Drumaghlis Road area of Crossgar in the early hours of Wednesday 21st January.
A police spokesperson said that it was reported shortly after 4am on Wednesday morning that a white car had entered the yard of a rural property and made off with a number of items, including two trailers and a piece of machinery.
Following police enquiries the trailers were located at Titterington Gardens in Drumbo.
A nearby house was searched and items believed to have been taken in the burglary in Crossgar, along with quantities of class A,B and C drugs, were recovered.
Three men, aged 43,45 and 55, were arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including handling stolen goods, going equipped for theft, and possession of class A,B and C drugs.
All three were interviewed and released on bail to allow for further police enquiries to be conducted.
Inspector MacDonald said: “Support within rural communities is really important and I would urge neighbours to look out for one another by immediately reporting any suspicious activity in their area to police.
“The faster information is reported, the quicker we can take action.
“You can find more crime prevention advice on our website. You can also request a visit from one of our local Crime Prevention Officers.”
NIFRS Reveals Highest House Fire Fatalities in 25 Years Prompting Urgent Call to Check on Those Most at Risk
2025 was the highest year of house fire fatalities in a quarter of a century with 16 losses of life.
These harrowing statistics from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) reveal that half of the incidents were smoking material related with electrical causes contributing to 4 fatalities.
A third of the incidents did not have working smoke alarms.
It is known that 75% of the fatalities were people who lived alone, and over 65% of those were also in NIFRS People at Risk group.
NIFRS is urging the public to start the year by taking extra care at home with their safety habits. Most fires are preventable and having working smoke alarms and changing behaviours that create risk can save your life.
NIFRS Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer Marcus Wright said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families and loved ones of those who have died in 2025 in house fires.
A man recently had a lucky escape when he was rescued by firemen at a fire in Downpatrick.
“This is the highest number of fatalities since 1999 and is a key priority and concern for us. The fires show how quickly everyday situations can turn into life-changing emergencies leading to devastating impacts for our community.
“We are pleading with the public to make home fire safety a priority to prevent further loss of life or serious injury.
“Smoking materials has been the leading cause of fatal house fires, accounting for a staggering 43% of such deaths over the past 10 years.
“We strongly advise for you to smoke outdoors at your property and to extinguish cigarettes before placing them in a suitable container, such as a metal bin.
“A majority of the fatal fires started in a bedroom followed by living room and kitchen.
“Therefore, we ask that you check your smoke alarms are fitted, tested regularly, and replace batteries when needed.
“Please also consider installing smoke alarms in the rooms you use the most. We would also advise heat detectors in your kitchen and utility.
“As we continue to be in the high-risk time of year for house fire, we are asking you to take time to reach out to vulnerable family members, neighbours and friends who may need support to stay safe from fire, especially those who live alone.
“If you have any concerns about this person, you can also complete our online Home Fire Safety Check with them, or request an in-person visit.
“We are also calling on our partner agencies to make use of our referral system for Home Fire Safety Checks. You are the ‘eyes and ears’ in our community to helping us keep those most at risk safe from fire.
“We are currently considering what more can be done, over and above what is currently being done, to help keep those most at risk safe from fire, as we continue to educate our community and deliver engagement activities.”
If you fit NIFRS Person at Risk criteria, have no access to the internet or unable to complete the online self-assessment, please contact NIFRS by phone to receive a free in person Home Fire Safety Check on 028 9266 4221.
NIFRS Fire Safety Advice
* Ensure you have a working smoke alarm fitted to each floor in your property, and test them so you know they work.
* Don’t overload electrical plug sockets. Some indicators of overloaded sockets include scorch marks or blackness around the socket or plug, sparks coming from a plug or appliance, and the smell of hot plastic near the plug or socket.
* Never place candles near soft furnishings, and don’t leave them burning unattended.
* Keep candles, lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
* Don’t leave cooking unattended, and don’t cook if you are tired, have been drinking alcohol or have taken medication that could make you drowsy.
* Keep flammable items such as oven mitts, tea towels and cables away from the cooker top.
* Ensure your bedtime routine includes switching off electrics including portable heaters, and any extra charging leads. Extinguish candles and cigarettes, and close doors to protect your escape route.
* Remember the risk of accidents is greater after alcohol is consumed.
* Make a fire escape plan and discuss it with your household, and anyone staying with you, and keep your escape route clear.
1. The STOP Fire message:
S- Smoke alarm – Do you have working smoke alarms? T- Test it – Do you test your smoke alarms each week? O- Obvious dangers – Do you know the ‘Obvious Fire Dangers’ in your home? P- Plan your escape route – Do you have an escape plan if a fire starts?
2. If you are worried about the fire safety of someone in your community you can find out more fire safety advice, or complete our online Home Fire Safety Check with them by visiting our website www.nifrs.org.
Alliance Councillor Nick Mathison Seeks Urgent Action on Severe Drainage Problems in Comber
Alliance Strangford MLA Nick Mathison has called for urgent intervention from Roads Service after recent heavy rainfall exposed serious weaknesses in surface water drainage across Comber.
Mr Mathison said several areas of the town experienced flooding or significant surface water ponding, causing disruption and raising safety concerns for residents.
“The recent period of heavy rain has exposed major issues with surface drainage in Comber.
Alliance Strangford MLA Nick Mathison has asked Roads Service to look into the on-going flooding in Comber as a matter of urgency.
“Multiple areas of Comber have been affected, with poor drainage leading to flooding and large areas of standing water. The town square and the area around St Mary’s Church were particularly badly impacted, and the road behind the playpark has been almost impassable.”
Mr Mathison has reported all problematic locations raised with him to Roads Service and has formally requested a meeting with local officials.
He added: “I have reported every area of concern passed on to me and have sought a meeting with Roads Service to discuss both these drainage problems and a wider range of infrastructure issues across Comber.
“These problems are recurring and need a strategic, well-resourced response.”
He encouraged residents to continue reporting issues so that all problem areas can be logged and addressed.
“I want to ensure nothing is missed. I would encourage residents to contact me with further areas of concern or any other local infrastructure problems.
“The more information we can provide, the stronger the case for quick and effective action.”
Newry Mourne and Down District Council Council To Address Business DerelictionAcross Its District
Owners of derelict and vacant properties across the Newry Mourne and Down District Council area are being offered the opportunity to apply for financial support to help redevelop the buildings to stimulate investment and support the growth of new and existing businesses.
In Downpatrick alone, there are at least three for bank properties lying empty, but may not necessarily be classed as ‘derelict’ which could made valuable contributions to the local business life of the town among other premises.
And there is the former IDB building on the Saul Road, which has been lying vacant, truly derelict for many years which will no doubt find its way onto the audit checklist.
Owners of vacant and derelict commercial properties across the district are being offered the opportunity to apply for financial support to help restore the buildings.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council’s Local Economic Partnership has secured £4.5m from the Department for the Economy to support bringing derelict premises back into use.
The support package aims to help business owners breathe new life into properties, stimulate new investment and support the growth of new and existing businesses.
The Council, in partnership with Newry and Mourne Enterprise Agency and Down Business Centre, is working on an audit of under-used and derelict properties to understand the scale of the issue across the district.
Applications for grant aid up to £200,000 are expected to open within the next few months, with the onus on property owners to submit bids to bring buildings back into use.
Empty properties vacant for a number of years around the town centre in Downpatrick may qualify for an upgrade grant, but work is ongoing to clarify the criteria and guidelines for applications for the ‘dereliction grant being offered from the Department for the Economy through Newry Mourne and Down District Council.
Council chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: “Securing grant aid to help property owners breathe new life into buildings to help regenerate town centres is a good news story for the district”.
“The Department for Economy’s financial support will play an important role helping business owners improve how their premises and respective town centres look and stimulate investment.
“The Department’s grant aid can help regenerate our town centres and has the potential to increase football and boost the local economy,” Councillor Campbell added.
The Commercial Property Reviveand Reimagine grant is designed to assist commercial growth across rural and urban areas within existing settlement limits, stimulate local economic activity, attract new business and provide space for existing enterprises to expand.
The current audit of vacant and derelict buildings is focusing on establishing a baseline for dereliction and their location to inform decisions on target interventions for regeneration funding.
The first tranche of funding to help transform vacant buildings into vibrant new premises is expected to be available in the Spring, with Council staff presently developing application forms and assessing criteria.
Newry Mourne and Down District Council is one of 11 district councils across Northern Ireland to have established a Local Economic Partnership (LEP) to deliver on the Department for the Economy’s Regional Balance Fund.
The Partnerships are part of the government department’s new strategic approach to locally led economic development, with the Council also working with the Department for Communities to ensure it maximises every available funding opportunity.
Given the complexity of planning laws in Northern Ireland and that there is no clear one definition of what ‘dereliction’ is, meeting the criteria for getting a grant could be complex in ticking all the boxes, but see below for a synopsis of the planning and statutory background surrounding ‘dereliction’.
One key issue will be in trying to get the projects through within a set timescale, and establishing legalities could be a major issue, but not unsurmountable.
***
So what is ‘dereliction’ ?
Property dereliction refers to a building or land that has been neglected, abandoned, or allowed to fall into serious disrepair, often to the point where it is unsafe, unusable, or visually degraded.
That is, a derelict property is one that the owner has failed to maintain, so it has deteriorated significantly. The former bank buidlings in Downpatrick appear to be significantly maintained.
Typical signs of dereliction
Broken windows, roof damage, or structural instability
Overgrown vegetation and unmanaged land
Fire, vandalism, or water damage left unrepaired
Disconnected utilities and no occupation for a long period
In planning and building control, dereliction can be important because authorities may:
Serve repair or enforcement notices
Require owners to make buildings safe
Use compulsory purchase powers in extreme cases
Include the property on derelict sites registers (especially in Ireland)
Consider dereliction when assessing planning applications or regeneration grants.
Difference from related terms
Vacant – empty but not necessarily in poor condition
Dilapidated – run-down or deteriorated, but still potentially usable
Derelict – severe neglect, often unsafe or abandoned
A clearer explanation of property dereliction in Northern Ireland planning and local government law, with the key legal powers explained in plain English.
🏚️ Property Dereliction in Northern Ireland Planning Laws
Unlike some countries, Northern Ireland does not have a single statutory definition of “derelict property” in planning law. Instead, dereliction is dealt with through several overlapping legal powers used by councils, planning authorities, and building control.
1) Planning Law – Appearance and Amenity Powers
📜 Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011
Under planning legislation, councils can act if land or buildings harm the appearance or amenity of an area.
Article 59 – Notice Requiring Proper Maintenance
Councils can issue a “Maintenance of Land” notice where:
Land or buildings are untidy, neglected, or adversely affecting the area
Owners fail to maintain land, buildings, or boundary treatments
👉 This is often used for:
Overgrown sites
Abandoned buildings
Graffiti or boarded windows
Collapsing structures visible from public areas
Failure to comply is an offence, and councils can carry out the work and recover costs
2) Building Safety – Dangerous or Ruinous Structures
📜 Building Regulations (NI) Order 1979 & Building Control
Councils (Building Control departments) can act where a property is:
Structurally unsafe
At risk of collapse
A danger to the public
Powers include:
Serving a Dangerous Structures Notice
Ordering immediate works or demolition
Entering the property to make it safe and charging the owner.
This applies even if the building is privately owned and not visible from the street.
3) Environmental Health – Statutory Nuisance
📜 Public Health (NI) Act 1967
Environmental Health Officers can intervene if a derelict property:
Attracts vermin
Causes foul smells or waste accumulation
Creates health risks
Is a fire hazard
They can issue Abatement Notices requiring clean-up or repairs.
4) Compulsory Purchase of Derelict Property
In extreme cases, authorities can force purchase of derelict land or buildings.
📜 Local Government Act (NI) 1972
📜 Planning Act (NI) 2011
Councils or government bodies can use Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) for:
Urban regeneration
Housing schemes
Removing blight from town centres
This is rarely used because it is expensive and legally complex.
5) Dereliction in Planning Policy (Not Statutory
Northern Ireland planning policy recognises dereliction even if not legally defined.
Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS)
Encourages:
Reuse of vacant and derelict sites
Brownfield development
Town centre regeneration
Planning applications on derelict sites often get policy support.
6) How Councils Classify Derelict Property (In Practice)
Although not legally defined, councils typically consider a property derelict if it is:
Long-term vacant
Structurally unsound
Not maintained
Detrimental to local amenity
Unfit for habitation
This is often documented in Local Development Plans (LDPs) and regeneration strategies.
7) Difference Between Dereliction and Dilapidation in NI Law
Term
Legal Meaning in NI
Vacant
Empty but may be in good condition
Dilapidated
Poor condition, but repairable and still usable
Derelict
Severely neglected, often unsafe or abandoned (policy term, not strict legal definition)
Dangerous structure
Legally defined and enforceable under Building Control
8) What Owners Must Do
Owners of derelict property can be legally required to:
Make the building safe
Repair or secure it
Clear land and waste
Demolish dangerous structures
Repay council costs if they refuse
9) Why Dereliction Matters in Planning Decisions
A derelict property can:
Strengthen a case for redevelopment or demolition
Support a planning application for regeneration
Trigger enforcement action
Affect property values and regeneration grants
✅ Key Point (Often Misunderstood)
“Derelict” in Northern Ireland is mostly a policy and practical term—not a single statutory category. The real legal powers come from planning amenity rules, building safety law, and public health law.
