We cannot wait any longer to tackle dereliction, say Cork Labour councillors

Two Cork Labour councillors have called for action on dereliction and vacancy, suggesting that a streamlined process to tackle the problem could include fast-tracking compulsory purchase orders.

The demand comes as the latest GeoDirectory residential report showed high levels of dereliction and vacancy in Cork and across Ireland, with 10% of homes in Cork vacant or derelict.

Some 80,689 dwellings were recorded as vacant and there were a total of 20,092 derelict units scattered nationwide in the final quarter of last year, with 3.6% of Cork’s housing stock estimated to be vacant and 6.4% estimated to be derelict — the fourth-highest percentage in Ireland.

Peter Horgan, Labour Party Cork city councillor for the South-East ward, and his party colleague in the North-East ward, John Maher, have criticised the Government for what they said was the“consistent failure to tackle vacancy and dereliction”.

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They said that with no accurate reporting system in place, the true scale of the crisis remains unknown.

Mr Maher said: “The Government’s much-trumpeted Housing for All plan has failed on all counts. Homelessness is at record highs, rents are soaring, and house prices continue to rise.

“Meanwhile, more than 81,000 premises sit vacant, and this is just what we know of — the true figure could be much higher.

“Across Cork city, we see the impact of this failure every day. Homes are left empty while families struggle to find a place to live.

“We need real action now to bring vacant properties back into use and deliver affordable housing for people in Cork City and across the country.

Mr Horgan explained that the Labour Party has been calling for a comprehensive national survey and mapping exercise to provide an accurate database of vacant and derelict properties.

National plan

“Right now, we don’t even have the full picture,” he said.

“We’ve also been calling for the need for a properly resourced national plan to tackle dereliction.

“Local authorities must be empowered and funded to use compulsory purchase orders on properties left vacant for over three years.

“The current system is too slow and under-resourced — we need a streamlined process that delivers results.

“It’s time for practical, realistic progress. The Government must provide local authorities with the funding and staff they need to tackle vacancy, fast-track compulsory purchase orders, and turn empty buildings into homes. We cannot wait any longer.”