Social Democrats Dublin Central by-election candidate Daniel Ennis and housing spokesperson Rory Hearne have launched the party’s Vacancy and Dereliction policy.
Deputy Hearne said:
“Prolonged vacancy and dereliction of homes cannot be tolerated in the middle of a housing crisis, especially when letting or refurbishing these homes is the cheapest, quickest, and most environmentally friendly way to quickly add to the available housing stock.
“The Social Democrats would immediately introduce a vacant homes tax of 10 per cent of the value of the property, which would be levied on any residential property that is vacant for over a year.
“Local authorities should lead on the redevelopment of vacant and derelict buildings into affordable rental and purchase homes, and they should set up development companies to undertake this, as is being developed by Dublin City Council.
“We are calling for greater funding and greater capacity to use Compulsory Purchase Orders for buildings in locations where vacancy and dereliction are particularly problematic.
“We would allocate a €150 million fund to capitalise this, funded via an increase in stamp duty on non-residential property.
“All local authorities should have a properly staffed Vacant Property Teams, not just a lone Vacant Homes Officer as is currently the case. Ringfencing funding from the forthcoming Derelict Property Tax could greater empower councils to deal with derelict sites.”
Councillor Ennis said:
“Vacancy and dereliction are massive issues on the doors in Dublin Central, but the Social Democrats’ solutions are getting a great response, especially utilising Compulsory Sales Orders and funding local authorities to transform vacant and derelict sites into affordable housing stock.
“Many streets in the North Inner City have become emblematic of the decades of neglect and underfunding of our urban communities by Government, lined with empty, crumbling properties.
“Too many of our young people don’t see a future here as rents and house prices continue to skyrocket while this do-nothing coalition allows housing provision to flatline, leaving the market at the mercy of developers and vulture funds.
“Implementing the key findings of the Dublin City Taskforce’s report must be a priority for Government – Dublin’s issues have been laid bare report after report, but it’s time to see these findings put into action.
“It’s time for solutions, not stagnation. Dublin deserves better.”
May 19th, 2026