Louis O'Hara
Ceist:67. 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. [46884/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 25 June 2026
Ceisteanna (67)
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 and sites. It will replace the Derelict Sites Levy and will be collected by the Revenue Commissioners.
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.
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 residential properties and sites that are derelict. Therefore, a lead-in time will be required for local authorities to identify all the relevant derelict properties in their areas for inclusion on a register in a consistent manner.
The tax will apply in its first year to towns and cities with populations of four thousand or more. In its second year, it will be extended to towns with populations over two thousand.
Once the DPT is operational, I am confident that many owners of derelict properties will be incentivised to take action to bring these homes back into use and ultimately contribute to our housing stock. The behavioural effect of the tax will also contribute to regeneration and development, breathing new life into our villages, towns and cities.