Latest news with #CompulsoryPurchaseOrder
The Journal
21 hours ago
- General
- The Journal
Nearly 800 houses are lying vacant in the State for over a year, according to data
NEW FIGURES SHOW that 776 houses have been lying vacant in the State for more than a year, a situation branded by one TD as 'insulting'. The data, obtained under a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, reveals that there are 2,749 vacant council houses across the State at present. Under laws introduced in 1990, every local council Each local authority keeps a Derelict Sites Register which includes the sites subject to an annual levy of 7% of its market value for being in a 'ruinous, derelict, dangerous or neglected condition' . Last month, three local authorities applied to the board to acquire three different properties around Ireland by Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), a mechanism allowing councils to take control of a property or land in the interests of the public. Advertisement Perhaps unsurprisingly, today's data shows Dublin topping the count for numbers of empty dwellings in the State, with 750 properties registered as unused across the capital's four county councils, 265 of which have been vacant for up to a year. Cork comes in second place with 495 total derelict houses across the county, followed by Limerick with 220 such houses, while Kildare accounts for 129, according to the data. The maintenance budget set aside for all the properties registered as vacant in the State amounts to €366 million in total, with Dublin occupying €214 million of the total national budget. The Journal reported in March that the majority of the country's county councils failed to collect money from owners of derelict sites , as figures suggested that councils are owed more than €20 million in unpaid levies. That data showed that just €604,621 in levies was collected by councils in 2023, despite over €5.6 million being owed to all 31 local authorities. 'Broken promises' Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould blames the problem on 'broken promises' declared in the Government's housing strategy. Related Reads Here are the vacant and derelict buildings around Ireland that councils asked ABP to CPO in May 'There is nothing more insulting to those impacted by the housing emergency than the sight of a perfectly good home left empty,' he said. 'I am sick and tired of the government's excuses and broken promises. They try to blame everyone but themselves. He added: 'A Sinn Féin government would not stop until long-term vacancy in council homes had been ended. We would cut the red tape and end the bureaucracy. We would do everything to ensure that nobody watches homes rot, while they cannot access secure accommodation.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Minister dampens optimism over Wexford SETU campus – ‘I'm not aware that there's money ready to go for this'
A legal challenge taken by the principal landowner against Wexford County Council's compulsory purchase of lands at Ballynagee – stretching from Whiterock to Killeens – was rejected at the High Court, clearing the way for the local authority to move forward with the purchase and plans for the establishment of a new South East Technological University (SETU) campus. However, in a questionable performance on South East Radio's Morning Mix with Alan Corcoran on Thursday morning, Minister Lawless rowed back on previous assurances given by predecessor, Tánaiste Simon Harris, regarding funding for the campus and stated that it was still a long way off becoming a reality. Initially the Minister seemed poorly briefed on the cause of the latest delay and the outcome of the latest court proceedings. 'It's good news that it was refused in court,' he said. ' A judicial review was taken. It's one challenge with building infrastructure like this, there's always someone can object. That is there right, but it's not their right to hold up society for a number of years. The process is too slow. We're trying to address that with the Planning Act. I'm not making a comment on this particular case in saying that, however.' In this instance, of course, it was not an objection but a challenge to a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) taken by landowner Mr Scott Mernagh. Additionally, the purchase had not been subject to a full judicial review. Mr Mernagh's application to take this action was refused by the High Court. The Minister then stated that 'the ball is back with Wexford County Council' who he imagines will move 'full steam ahead' with the CPO. He also spoke of a need for 're-engagement' between SETU and the Higher Education Authority (HEA). However, the most worrying aspect of Minister Lawless' interview came when the subject of funding was broached. On several occasions, Tánaiste Simon Harris gave assurances that money would be in place for the construction of a 'state-of-the-art college campus' as soon as the acquisition of the site was completed. 'The state is not in the habit of purchasing assets to leave them lying idle,' he said at the time. However, having taken over the role of Minister for Higher and Further Education from Patrick O'Donovan in January, Minister Lawless was not quite so definite. 'I don't promise money,' he said. 'My own approach has always been 'steady as she goes' . ADVERTISEMENT 'If the right proposal comes in, I'd be hopeful that the funding will be there, but I think we're putting the cart before the horse to talk about money before we even have a proposal on the table. Let's see what's proposed first and then we'll look at the money.' When host Alan Corcoran pointed to the numerous assurances given by the Tánaiste, Minister Lawless was non-committal. 'I'd have to go back and look at it,' he said. 'I'm not aware of what promises were made. I don't know if any money was ring-fenced or not. I'm not aware that there's money ready to go. That would be premature. The CPO process held things up, but the council is in a position to progress that at this stage.' When asked if this is still some way off from becoming a reality, Minister Lawless responded: 'I'll tell you straight. I've come into this department and this is a project on the list, but there's no site, no plan and no planning permission. It is probably a bit off still at this stage, being honest. SETU need to come into the HEA with a full spec plan. 'I will make this a priority and I will work with the players involved, but colleges are autonomous. The college is welcome to come to the HEA with plans and we will engage and discuss them. There'll be parts we'll agree on and parts we won't agree on. 'Let's see where this goes,' he concluded. 'I think, though, it would be premature to make promises regarding funding on a site that is not even owned yet.'
The Journal
2 days ago
- General
- The Journal
Here are the vacant and derelict buildings around Ireland that councils asked ABP to CPO in May
BOARDED-UP HOUSES and crumbling buildings are a common feature of towns and cities across Ireland. Derelict buildings contribute significantly to Ireland's housing crisis, and bringing them back into use is one of the Government's aims for addressing social housing shortfalls and to get more homes on the market. Under laws introduced in 1990, every local council keeps a Derelict Sites Register to encourage owners to bring vacant houses and land into use through the imposition of an annual levy of 7% of the property's market value, which applies until the site is no longer derelict. When someone objects to a local authority's attempt to obtain a property via the Compulsory Purchase Order process, the council can make an application to An Bord Pleanála to do so. The Housing Act also allows local authorities to acquire vacant homes via CPO, which they also must apply to do via An Bord Pleanála. The process is similar to making a planning application, and the board weighs up submissions from the council and the owner of the land before deciding whether a site can be subject to a CPO. The number of properties that councils try to CPO every month is relatively small. The Journal has been keeping track of the vacant and derelict properties that councils have sought to acquire, and previously wrote about how four local authorities applied to the board to CPO six different properties in April. Last month, three local authorities applied to the board to CPO three different properties around Ireland. 21 Keating Street, Dungarvan (Waterford) The front of Holly Tree House in 2009 Google Street View Google Street View Waterford City and County Council applied to have a derelict site, known as Holly Tree House on Keating Street in Dungarvan, vested on 23 May. The slender terraced house was last photographed on Google Street View in 2009, when it had a large tree in its front garden (possibly indicating where its name comes from). Advertisement There is little other information available about it online: no planning files are associated with the address (aside from attempts to CPO it) and it does not appear to have ever been listed for sale online. The case is due to be decided by An Bord Pleanála by 1 September. 83 Eastham Court, Bettystown (Meath) Google Street View Google Street View Meath County Council applied to acquire a vacant property at Eastham Court in Bettystown under the Housing Act on 8 May. The property, situated between two other houses, appears to be in good condition but does not have any occupiers or tenants known to the council . It is part of an estate that was built in the early 2000s. It has never been listed as sold on the Property Price Register and there are no planning applications associated with the property. The council issued a newspaper notice at the end of April, saying that it wanted to CPO the house and use it for social housing. An Bord Pleanála is due to decide the case by the end of October. Millbrook, Rathangan (Kildare) Google Street View Google Street View Kildare County Council applied to acquire a vacant property at Millbrook in Rathangan under the Housing Act on 26 May. The small cottage was deemed by the council in April to be 'unfit for human habitation' and incapable of being rendered fit for use at a 'reasonable expense'. The council also said at the time that any owners, occupiers or lessors of the property are not known. A planning application submitted in 2008, which was granted permission the following year, proposed demolishing the cottage and replacing it with a three-bedroom dormer and a four-bedroom bungalow on the site. The council's intended use for the property is not stated; however, under a renewal plan for Rathangan published last October , the local authority said it would seek to bring vacant buildings into use as housing and tourist accommodation, and incentivise the re-use of vacant buildings. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Legal challenge to Wexford County Council's CPO of lands for SETU campus dismissed in High Court
The local authority was given the green light to use its statutory powers to place a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) on more the lands stretching from Killeens across to Whiterock Hill in 2022 in a bid to aid the South East Technological University (SETU) with the creation of a state of the art university campus. Wexford County Council also unveiled plans for a League of Ireland stadium with a capacity for up to 6,000 for Wexford FC, a new full-size 4G pitch for Wexford GAA, two schools and a whole raft of housing and commercial units as part of its 'Killeens Masterplan'. However, the project was facing major delays when it emerged back in March that the principal landowner, a Mr Scott Mernagh had taken a legal challenge to the council's CPO and was seeking a full judicial review. He claimed he had been treated poorly throughout the entire process by the local authority. However, having heard the specifics, a High Court judge found in favour of Wexford County Council and rejected the application for a judicial review. Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Eddie Taaffe confirmed that 'following a hearing in the High Court the council has been informed that the landowner's application seeking leave to apply for judicial review of the CPO of lands in Ballynagee, Wexford, has been refused by the Courts and the proceedings dismissed. "The council now intends to progress the CPO of the lands as per the relevant legislations and regulations,' he concluded. Labour TD George Lawlor was somewhat taken aback that a legal challenge had emerged in the first place, claiming that Mr Mernagh had approached him when he was Mayor of Wexford, seeking to sell the land to Wexford County Council for the provision of a university campus. "I'm absolutely delighted with this judgement,' Deputy Lawlor said. 'It seems pretty watertight and I hope it brings finality to this issue. "Obviously the landowner felt they had to take this course, but the price for the land will be decided by independent arbitration, so I've no doubt he will get the best price possible. I hope we can now push forward with the Killeens Masterplan for the whole 120 acres which includes the SETU campus, at least two schools and of course the stadium for Wexford FC. I think it will be of huge benefit to the town and county.' Deputy Lawlor says he will be pushing for things to move as quickly as possible from this point onwards. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more "I think, in fairness, the commitment of the SETU board is not in any doubt at this stage,' he said. 'It's been a slow start. Money was first made available for this in 2015. I've been engaging with Minister for Higher Education James Lawless, who is a native of Wexford himself, and he has a keen interest in the SETU campus project. "What we need now is follow through on the commitment to funding which was made in Simon Harris's day as Minister of Higher Education. We can't have any delays in bringing the tens of millions it will cost to make this a reality to the table.' Fine Gael senator Cathal Byrne meanwhile is calling for the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to 'make a timely decision on the business case submitted by the board of SETU with regard to their new campus'. 'Once the land is acquired, the SETU must be in a position to act and to progress the project which requires a decision on their business case by the Higher Education Authority,' he said. 'I raised the matter on the floor of Seanad Éireann earlier this year directly with the Minister where I asked them to provide a detailed update on the HEA's plans to advance the project once all other matters had been resolved. "At that stage the Minister informed me that the HEA had still to decide on the business case submitted by SETU, I did emphasize at the time that this should not delay the project and a decision should be made regardless of any other factors.'
Glasgow Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
I am moving into a new home after 16 years in temporary accommodation
Ibrahim Al-Khader and his children endured years of overcrowding since 2009. Following a house being bought with cash from the affordable housing supply programme, Linthouse Housing Association rehoused the family in a five-bedroom home in the Ibrox area. READ NEXT: 10 firms in the Glasgow area named for not paying National Minimum Wage The acquisition is part of the council and Scottish Government's attempts to increase the availability of larger homes in the city. Next door to Mr Al-Khader's home is another empty property, which has been taken over by the council using a Compulsory Purchase Order, which once ready will also provide a home for a larger family. Mr Al-Khader said he moved in in February with four of his seven children, who still live with him. The other three are grown-up, working or studying and live independently. (Image: Newsquest) The new tenant was very grateful for the new home and the transformative impact it has had on his family. He said: 'It has changed our lives. After 16 years, when nine of us were in a three-bedroom flat. 'The kids have their own space and can have friends over. It is really nice and quiet here. Linthouse Housing has done a lot for us." READ NEXT: Glasgow families face housing list wait of 100 years Next door, a similar property is a building site as it is being completely renovated by the council to be turned into social housing. (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) Duncan Thomson, Glasgow City Council housing services group manager, said: 'It will cost up to £250,000 to repair this property before we pass it to the housing association. It will be retained for a larger family.' The large, five-bedroom home has been vacant since 2017, when the previous owner died and his family did not want to keep the home. It has not been maintained since then, and the previous occupant was hoarding stuff, which meant it took three skips to clear the debris. The first floor had collapsed into the living room and the building was in an unsafe condition. Mr Thomson added: 'We have to be innovative to find solutions to house people.' There are 71 properties going through CPO process and there could be more. He added: This is the tip of the iceberg. There's lots more like this.' He did, however, say it was an 'expensive solution.' Paul McLennan, the Housing Minister, visited both the flat being brought back into use and Mr Al-Khader in his home to see progress on work from the affordable housing supply programme. He said: 'It's not until you're here that you see the size of the building and the work that it's being done. It is fantastic. "And then meeting the family, you see what a difference it is actually making to people. "One of the biggest needs in Glasgow is large family homes. 'The Scottish Government has spent around £3.7 million bringing back 11,000 homes. 'Glasgow has really led on empty homes. Today, we're obviously talking about compulsory purchase orders, which Glasgow has led on as well. 'It's great to see the property, the state it's in now, and see what it could become, it's really important. 'This will be a great family home for people.' The Glasgow Times recently carried out an investigation into the shortage of larger family homes for social rent in the city. We found families could be waiting decades to get a social rented home with three or more bedrooms. Across Glasgow, there are 110,172 homes from Registered Social Landlords. Studio/bedsits, one and two beds account for 87,513 of them and just 22,659 have three, four or more bedrooms.
