Urgent: Ireland Moves to CPO Two Derelict Properties Amid Housing Crisis

UPDATE: Just announced, Ireland’s local councils are taking decisive action against derelict properties, with Cork City Council and Monaghan County Council each applying for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) on key sites. This urgent move comes amid the country’s ongoing housing crisis, where boarded-up houses and dilapidated buildings plague urban areas.

These derelict buildings significantly hamper efforts to increase social housing availability. The government’s strategy prioritizes revitalizing these spaces to alleviate housing shortages. Currently, only two properties are under the CPO process, but this could set a precedent for future actions across the nation.

On October 6, 2025, Cork City Council filed a CPO application for a derelict property at 7 St. Patrick’s Terrace in the city’s Victorian quarter, previously owned by Connecticut Real Estate Limited. Despite earlier promises to refurbish the site, the property remains abandoned, compelling the council to take action after repeated delays in redevelopment.

Meanwhile, on October 1, 2025, Monaghan County Council targeted a derelict site at Muckno Street, Castleblayney. This property, spanning 0.76 hectares, has been neglected for years and poses significant challenges, including being overgrown and unsightly. The council’s report indicates it has been on the Derelict Sites Register for years, highlighting the pressing need for intervention.

The legal framework for these actions is established under laws dating back to 1990, which require local councils to keep a register of derelict sites and impose a 7% annual levy on them until they are redeveloped. However, the CPO process can face delays if property owners object, necessitating applications to the planning commission.

The stakes are high. With just 44 CPO applications filed in all of 2024, the current moves signal a potential shift in how authorities are tackling dereliction across Ireland. The implications are immediate: if successful, these CPOs could see previously neglected properties transformed into valuable housing units, directly addressing the current crisis.

As both cases await decisions—expected in January 2026 for Cork and March 2026 for Monaghan—local authorities are under pressure to act swiftly. The community is watching closely, as these developments could lead to rapid changes in their neighborhoods.

With the new tax regime for derelict sites set to take effect next year, these actions may also encourage property owners to act before facing financial penalties. The urgency is palpable, and the impact on local communities could be profound.

Stay tuned for more updates as these developments unfold, and consider sharing this critical information to raise awareness about the housing crisis in Ireland.