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It was always likely to happen sooner rather than later, but now Nama has begun knocking down empty apartments.

A 12-apartment block in Longford will be the first to face the bulldozers today as it has absolutely no chance of being sold.

Knocking the block, which is in the Gleann Riada estate in Longford town, may seem like a barmy thing to do when thousands sit on housing waiting lists around the country, but the quality of building sheds some light on the decision.

Local councillor, Peggy Nolan, even went as far as to compare the Gleann Riada apartments with Priory Hall, saying they were unfit for habitation.

All 12 units are in a state of disrepair and have been vandalised continuously since being left idle.

There are 90 houses on the estate, 80 of which are occupied. No doubt those residents will be happy to have the eyesore demolished. The failed development was built by Antrim developer Alastair Jackson.

This is just the first demolition Nama will embark on this year, with at least another 6 planned for the rest of the year. These include ghost estates all around the country.