Louis O'Hara
Ceist:221. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance when the new derelict property tax will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40150/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 26 May 2026
Ceisteanna (221)
Freagraí scríofa
In 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. It will replace the Derelict Sites Levy and will be collected by the Revenue Commissioners.
Officials in my Department continue to engage with officials in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and in Revenue on the design of this tax. A key issue is that the tax must apply in a consistent manner to all properties that are derelict. Therefore, a lead-in time will be required for local authorities to identify all the relevant derelict properties in their area for inclusion on a register in a consistent manner.
I intend to legislate for the DPT as part of Finance Bill 2026. This is dependent on engagement from stakeholders and will also be influenced by advice received from the Attorney General. This timeline is necessary to allow local authorities to 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 properties back into use and ultimately contribute to our housing stock.