Galway City Council’s policy for disposing of land has come under the microscope as elected members complained the local authority will not sell land it does not use.

Cllr Mike Cubbard (Ind) said the Council refused to offload a site in Westside that has been idle for decades – despite an offer from a neighbour.

“The land in Camillaun Park has been there for 37 years, it’s like a jungle in there, it’s never been used. A neighbour wants to buy it, but the Council won’t sell,” fumed Cllr Cubbard.

Acting Director of Services, Brian Barrett said the Council may use the site for recreational and amenity in future.

The situation was highlighted by Cllr Cubbard during a discussion on the disposal of land at Cherry Park in Newcastle.

Number 53 in the estate was purchased by a couple in 1998, and it was proposed that a narrow strip of land in ownership of the City Council would transfer to them in 1999.

That transfer did not happen, and the owner of the house died earlier this year, Mr Barrett said.

In November 1999, the homeowners applied for and received planning permission for an extension onto this piece of ground, which they were beneficial owners of, even though the transfer had not been completed.

The family now wanted to regularise the title, and Mr Barrett said there was no objection to the transfer of the title.

At their most recent meeting, councillors voted in favour of disposing of the land for no fees other than the legal cost associated with the transfer.

Photo: The unused land at Camillaun Park which the Council has refused to sell to the neighbouring homeowner.