Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
232. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage in light of a report published (details supplied), which revealed that only one property was purchased through CPO by a local authority in January 2026, the efforts he and his Department are making to support an enhanced programme of CPO to combat dereliction all over Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17830/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWorking to end dereliction and vacancy is a key priority in the Government's new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities. The Plan will ensure that the activities and resources used to address vacancy and dereliction are co-ordinated and that legislative powers are used proactively to work to bring dereliction and vacancy to an end.
The Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Activation Programme, launched in 2023, requires local authorities to take a proactive, systematic approach to identifying and activating vacant and derelict properties.
Local authorities are identifying vacant and derelict properties and engaging with owners to bring these properties back into use using the wide range of schemes now in place. This includes using their compulsory purchase powers under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 and the Housing Act 1966, when engagement with the owners of these properties is not successful in bringing them back into use.
While local authorities vary in their willingness to use compulsory purchase powers, my Department is working to support local authorities to strengthen their activation response to vacancy and dereliction. Funding is available through Urban Regeneration and Development Fund Call 3, the Social Housing Investment Programme, from the Housing Finance Agency or local authorities' own internal resources, to provide the finance required to compulsorily acquire vacant and derelict properties.
As part of the Programme, my Department, along with the Housing Agency, are providing guidance and supports for local authorities to actively use their powers under the Housing Act and Derelict Sites Act. The Programme requires co-ordination across teams within local authorities to support a focused approach and this is occurring, with reorganisation of resources taking place and new structures being established.
In October last year my Department published CPO Activation Programme data for 2023 and 2024 on its website. This data includes the number of properties that entered the Programme and number of compulsory purchases commenced/underway and completed per local authority. This data can be accessed at the following link: Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) Activation Programme.
The compulsory purchase/acquisition process varies depending on the legislation used. The abovementioned data shows that the vast majority of compulsory purchases/acquisitions of vacant and derelict properties are being commenced using the Derelict Sites Act 1990. Under this legislation, a local authority is not required to seek approval or confirmation from An Coimisiún Pleanála, unless the property owner, who is subject to the compulsory acquisition, makes an objection. As such, compulsory acquisitions can and do commence without featuring on An Coimisiún Pleanála's website.
Under Delivering Homes, Building Communities, data will be published annually on local authorities’ achievements in progress and delivery under the CPO Activation Programme. Data for 2026 is not yet available, the data for 2025 is currently being compiled by my Department.
I firmly believe the commitment Government has made to addressing vacancy and dereliction and the actions under Delivering Homes, Building Communities will play a vital role in delivering homes across the country.
