A housing development in the village of Ashford, Co Wicklow, has remained unfinished for a decade, leaving local residents and business owners frustrated by a site they describe as an “eyesore.” The development, known as Mount Usher View, currently consists of a row of homes encased by hoarding near the end of Main Street.
The site is characterized by smashed windows, overgrown bushes, and illegal dumping. While properties at the front of the development appear mostly complete, those at the rear lack windows and doors, were never rendered, and in some cases, have had back doors boarded up with steel shutters and sustained roof damage.
Local Authority Intervention
Wicklow County Council has taken recent action to address the blight. Last month, the council issued a notice under section 8(2) of the Derelict Sites Act, 1980, informing the owners of its intention to place Mount Usher View on the Derelict Sites Register.
Entry into this register is designed to compel owners to repair properties. Potential consequences include annual levies of 7 per cent of the market value or the compulsory acquisition of the site if improvements are not made.
the council has issued a dangerous structures notice under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1964. This mandate requires owners to either secure or demolish any structures that pose a threat to public safety.
A History of Planning Failures
The project’s difficulties date back to 2009, when planning permission was granted to Chieftain Construction Ltd. The original plan involved demolishing existing structures to create a mixed-use development featuring office or retail space and 24 residential units, consisting of three- and four-bedroom terraced and semidetached homes.
Work halted in 2016 after the project was found to be in noncompliance with planning regulations. Although an extension was granted until August 2019, the site remained stagnant and changed hands among several developers over the intervening years.
In 2024, the planning authority granted permission to Vartry Developments Limited to retain and complete the residential and retail project. Developer Greg Kavanagh of Vartry Developments subsequently sold the site to Niall Molloy, a company director of Beakontech Limited.
Community Outcry
Local residents have expressed deep distress over the state of the neighborhood. Sheila Clarke, a local resident, stated that the community’s “hearts are broken” and described the experience of living beside the derelict site as “distressful, embarrassing and upsetting.”
Konrad Jay, owner of Mount Usher Gardens, called the site “an indictment on the planning system.” He noted that multiple owners have had planning permissions turned down by Wicklow County Council and An Bord Pleanála, only for subsequent owners to revisit the same issues.
Fianna Fáil councillor Gail Dunne echoed these sentiments, noting that the issue has persisted for 10 years. While she expressed hope that recent movements indicate a path toward completion, she emphasized that the village is anxious for the site to be finished to a good standard.
Potential Next Steps
Ownership now rests with Beakontech Limited, which took over the development following a restructuring. A spokesperson for the company recently stated that they are currently undertaking a survey of the property and are liaising with the senior lender to explore all options.
Depending on the results of this survey and the lender’s requirements, the site may finally see the completion of the residential and retail units. However, if the owners fail to act, the site could face the aforementioned 7 per cent annual levies or potential compulsory acquisition by the local authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mount Usher View?
It is an incomplete mixed-use housing development in Ashford, Co Wicklow, that has remained untouched for 10 years.
Why did construction stop in 2016?
Work halted because the development was found to be in noncompliance with the planning permission.
What actions has Wicklow County Council taken?
The council has issued a notice to enter the site on the Derelict Sites Register and has issued a dangerous structures notice to ensure public safety.
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