The government must get tough on vacancy and dereliction in next month’s Budget, according to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne.
Deputy Hearne said:
“New figures from the CSO show there was a fall in vacant dwellings from 76,457 at the end of 2022 to 72,245 in 2023.
“However, if you consider there were officially 72,569 vacant properties when the last government came to office in 2020, this modest reduction is hardly an achievement after six years of FF/FG in power.
“Bringing vacant properties back into use is one measure that could make a real difference to those at the sharp edge of the housing crisis – and it’s something that could be done quickly if the political will existed.
“The government must fund local authorities to allow them to CPO vacant properties and restore them for use. In addition, it needs to introduce a vacant homes tax with teeth – something the Social Democrats have been consistently calling for.
“The current rate – set at five times the basic Local Property Tax – is far too low to discourage owners from sitting on empty homes.”
September 24, 2025