New figures showing there are over 100,000 empty homes around the country highlight the Government’s failure to bring vacant and derelict properties back into use, according to Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan.
Deputy O’Callaghan, who is the party’s housing spokesperson, said:
“An analysis of data in the GeoDirectory report reveals there were over 81,000 vacant properties in Ireland as of December 2023. Figures also show that more than 20,000 addresses were classified as derelict in the final quarter of last year.
“That’s over 100,000 empty homes that could potentially be brought back into use in the midst of a devastating housing crisis.
“The Government’s tokenistic Vacant Homes Tax is set far too low to encourage owners to bring their properties back into use.
“The Social Democrats have called for the tax to be increased to 5 per cent, with clear and fair exemptions. This would send a strong message to those sitting on empty homes: use it, sell it, or rent it.
“Given the scale of the housing crisis, every possible measure must be taken to increase supply. The vacancy and dereliction figures are an insult to the tens of thousands of people struggling to buy or rent an affordable home.”
January 23, 2024