New Bill to tackle derelict buildings

New Bill to tackle derelict buildings

27 August 2025

PLANS to tackle the issue of derelict buildings and neglected land in new Stormont legislation have been welcomed locally.

The move by the NI Executive via a new Dilapidation Bill spearheaded by the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has been welcomed by the minister’s at its helm,  Andrew Muir, who was in Downpatrick last week.

Designed to equip district councils with a modern, consistent and effective enforcement regime that mirrors the powers already in place across other parts of the UK, the new legislation aims to address the negative impact of dilapidated and dangerous buildings, along with long-neglected sites, which have become a widespread concern in many communities.

Mr Muir — who met representatives from the town’s Regeneration Working Group and South Down MLA Andrew McMurray and Down Business Centre chief executive Emma Bohill — said everyone can see the problems with dilapidated buildings and neglected sites across Northern Ireland.

Describing them as a “blight on our neighbourhoods that can pose an unacceptable danger to the public,”  Mr Muir said people should be able to take pride in their local area.

And he said when buildings are left to deteriorate, “it is the entire community that suffers the consequences”.

Mr Muir said the Dilapidation Bill will seek to address this problem, ensuring local people can live and work in attractive neighbourhoods and benefit from the associated investment in an area that can come as a result.

The proposed Bill will provide councils with new powers to issue enforcement notices requiring building owners, occupiers, or other relevant parties to take remedial action. 

Where necessary, councils will also be able to carry out the required works themselves and recover the costs from those responsible, making interventions more practical and financially viable for local authorities.

Mr Muir said the Bill empowers councils to issue a range of enforcement notices to require owners, occupiers and others with a relevant interest to take appropriate remedial action to deal with dilapidation and neglect.

It also allows councils to take such action itself, where required, and recover its costs from the relevant person, with the legislation including a framework of notices, penalties, offences and appeals, ensuring a clear and structured approach to enforcement across Northern Ireland.

If passed, the Bill is anticipated to provide a significant boost to community safety, urban regeneration, and local pride, while also encouraging investment in areas previously blighted by neglect.

Mr McMurray said the ministerial visit to Downpatrick provided an opportunity for Mr Muir to see at 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,” he said.

“The proposed Bill will equip councils with the toolkit 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.”

Mr McMurray believes the proposed legislation could be “transformative” for rural towns such as Downpatrick.

He added: “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.”

Ms Bohill said it was “great” to have another minister in Downpatrick to see “our vision for the town’s future”.

She added: “With this new legislation on the way and a strong partnership with the Department, we’re ready to tackle these long standing issues, create a thriving business community, and put Downpatrick firmly back on the map.”