COUNCILLORS news that Carlow County Council is in negotiations with the developer of the Manor House to use the vacant apartments on a Rent Accommodation Scheme.

The apartments have remained vacant in recent times following the downturn of the economy and caused concern for the members when they were struck by vandals.

'It is good that the county council is in negotiations for this scheme as there are still a percentage of landlords out there who are exploiting people,' said Cllr Paddy Kiely.

Under the scheme people from across the county will be eligible and the members asked that consideration goes in to the tenants chosen.

The scheme caters for people who are in receipt of rent supplement and living in the private sector.

'The problem is people say they'll do anything for a house or take anything and then they are not in it six months and they are gone,' said Cllr Arthur McDonald. 'We also need a care taker to run that complex.'

Cllr Joe Manning agreed: 'Complexes like that can become a dumping ground. If the council is going ahead with it they need to put a manager in place there.'

Cllr Denis Foley agreed that the tenants should be 'vetted well' as Bagenalstown is a nice town and they wanted to keep it that way.

Cllr David O'Brien said a management team will be in place and that the onus for this is on the developer.

'It will be part of the rent he is getting to keep the building in proper condition and the residents in order.'

He welcomed the move as the apartments have been vandalised in recent months.