Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
286. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when he plans to roll out the new derelict property tax; the involvement there will be from local authorities in relation to authorisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26147/26]
View answerIn Budget 2026, it was announced that a new Derelict Property Tax (DPT) would be introduced. The aim of this tax is to encourage the activation of derelict properties and sites. It will replace the Derelict Sites Levy and will be collected by the Revenue Commissioners.
In order for the new tax to be successful on introduction, care must be taken in its design. A key issue is that the tax must apply in a consistent manner to all residential properties and sites that are derelict. Local authorities will need to identify all the relevant derelict properties in their area and a lead-in time will be required for them to carry out this identification.
I intend to legislate for DPT as part of Finance Bill 2026. This is dependent on engagement from stakeholders and will also be influenced by any advice I receive from the Attorney General. Once this tax is legislated for, local authorities will then prepare and publish a preliminary register of derelict properties in 2027, with the tax coming into effect as quickly as possible thereafter.
Once the Derelict Property Tax is operational, I am confident this will incentivise owners of derelict properties to take action to bring these homes back into use and ultimately contribute to our housing stock.
