Urgent Update: Ireland’s Councils Move to Tackle Derelict Properties

UPDATE: Local councils across Ireland are actively seeking to combat the ongoing housing crisis by targeting derelict properties. Just announced, Meath County Council and Kildare County Council have filed applications to the planning commission for the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) of multiple vacant sites, marking a significant step in efforts to rejuvenate local communities.

The urgency to address these derelict buildings is palpable as Ireland grapples with a profound housing shortage. Currently, there are 19,821 houses classified as derelict, according to the latest Geodirectory Residential Buildings report. This figure, reported in June 2025, reflects a 2.9% drop from the previous year but highlights the continued struggle against vacant properties.

In a notable case, on 14 August 2023, Meath County Council submitted a CPO application for a former petrol station and adjacent site in Navan. Valued at €600,000, this site has been on the council’s Derelict Sites Register since March. Local resident Edward Cunningham has contested the council’s claims, asserting that the property has historical significance and has not been left to decay. He cites the impact of road closures on the business, which had employed over 30 people until its decline.

Meanwhile, Kildare County Council has also taken action, applying on 18 August 2023 to CPO two derelict townhouses on Abbey Road in Naas. The property owner, John Hipwell, has objected, indicating prior planning permission for new townhouses and expressing intentions to redevelop the site. However, correspondence between Hipwell and the council reveals a complex history of stalled negotiations and unmet redevelopment goals.

As local authorities ramp up efforts to tackle dereliction, these cases underscore the broader implications for housing availability in Ireland. The CPO process is vital for councils as they seek to breathe new life into neglected areas.

A report from heritage group An Taisce has also raised alarms, accusing Dublin City Council of neglecting its responsibilities by failing to register prominent derelict sites centrally located in the city. This adds another layer of urgency to the ongoing dialogue about property use and community revitalization.

What happens next? The planning commission will assess applications and objections, weighing the needs of the community against individual property rights. The outcomes of these CPO applications could determine how quickly these derelict sites are transformed into usable housing, directly impacting the community’s future.

As Ireland continues to navigate its housing crisis, the push to repurpose vacant buildings is more critical than ever. Local councils are poised to accelerate their efforts, with the hope that these measures will lead to tangible improvements in housing availability. Keep an eye on future developments as communities advocate for sustainable solutions amid these urgent challenges.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.