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

UPDATE: Two local councils in Ireland have initiated the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process for derelict properties, a critical step aimed at addressing the ongoing housing crisis. Just last month, Cork City Council and Monaghan County Council each applied to acquire one derelict property, underscoring the urgent need for housing solutions in the region.

Cork City Council filed its application on October 6, 2025, targeting a derelict house at 7 St. Patrick’s Terrace off the Lower Glanmire Road. This property, owned by Connecticut Real Estate Limited, has remained uninhabited despite earlier promises for redevelopment. A structural survey indicated that renovation work would take six months, but with delays in securing funding, the building has continued to deteriorate. The council’s decision to pursue a CPO will be reviewed with a ruling expected by January 2026.

In a parallel move, Monaghan County Council applied on October 1, 2025, to CPO a dilapidated property on Muckno Street in Castleblayney. This single-storey structure has been described as “neglected” and “objectionable” due to its overgrown condition and history of fire damage. The property spans 0.76 hectares and has faced ownership complications, with claims of dereliction not properly communicated to the owners, one of whom resides in Northern Ireland. A decision on this case is anticipated by March 2026.

These CPO applications highlight a growing urgency among local authorities to tackle the increasing number of derelict sites contributing to the housing crisis in Ireland. Currently, 44 CPO applications were made throughout 2024, indicating a slow but necessary response to the issue. The Irish government has long recognized that revitalizing these empty homes is essential for alleviating the shortage of affordable housing.

Local councils maintain a Derelict Sites Register that imposes a 7% annual levy on property owners, incentivizing them to refurbish or sell derelict homes. As part of upcoming reforms, this levy will soon transition to a tax collected by Revenue, which may lead to more stringent consequences for non-compliance.

The implications of these actions are profound. With many families struggling to find adequate housing, the revitalization of derelict properties could provide essential relief. Community leaders and residents alike are watching these developments closely, hoping for swift action that will improve living conditions and restore vibrancy to their neighborhoods.

As these CPO processes unfold, the public is encouraged to stay informed about the outcomes, as they represent a pivotal moment in the fight against Ireland’s housing crisis. The push for acquiring vacant properties through CPOs reflects a broader commitment to addressing social housing shortages and enhancing community well-being.

Stay tuned for further updates on the progress of these applications and their potential impact on the housing landscape in Ireland.