Millions uncollected while buildings rot

Millions owed, dozens of buildings still abandoned — Cork’s dereliction problem shows no sign of easing.

Over the past five years, Cork City Council has issued €7.2 million in derelict site levies but collected just €2.01 million—less than a third. Some €6.7 million remains unpaid, and only 21 derelict properties have been acquired by the council since 2020. The backlog continues to grow as long-neglected buildings blight the city.

While the refurbishment of vacant properties has improved — with 250 homes expected to be refurbished this year — Cork Labour Party Councillor Ciara O’Connor said the figures reveal deep flaws in the current system.

“The current Derelict Sites Levy is toothless. Too many property owners are allowed to sit on vacant and derelict sites without consequence. It’s deeply frustrating for communities watching buildings fall further into disrepair year after year,” she said.

At this week’s Cork City Council meeting, Cllr O’Connor asked the Chief Executive for a full update on the council’s record since 2020, including costs, levies, and progress on bringing empty homes back into use.

The Government recently announced plans to replace the existing levy with a new Derelict Property Tax, to be collected by the Revenue Commissioners. However, the new system is not expected until 2027, leaving at least a two-year gap before any real change takes effect.

Cllr O’Connor criticised the delay in strong terms. “That should happen now, not in 2027. Instead of tackling the dereliction crisis head-on, the Government is kicking the can down the road.”

She also highlighted the Government’s mixed priorities. “The same Government was able to introduce a VAT cut for developers within hours of the Budget, yet we’re expected to wait years for meaningful reform of derelict site legislation. That tells its own story.”

Cllr O’Connor added that Labour will push for stronger accountability when the legislation reaches the Oireachtas, and that “any sums collected by Revenue are returned directly to local authorities”.

The councillor warned that Cork cannot afford to lose momentum, urging the Government to act now — not years from now — to give local authorities the tools they need to bring derelict buildings back to life.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.