Kilkenny councillor backs Tánaiste’s call for tougher action on dereliction

A local councillor says tackling derelict properties is essential if Ireland is to address its housing shortage.

David Fitzgerald says he agrees with comments by Tánaiste Simon Harris that some local authorities have not done enough to tackle dereliction

While grants are available to bring vacant buildings back into use, concerns remain that enforcement measures are not strong enough.

Thousands of derelict properties remain across the South East, and calls are growing for stronger action to ensure unused buildings are returned to the housing stock.

Cllr. Fitzgerald says when the levy is applied to developers it does work.