Tánaiste criticises councils over derelict site levies as new property tax planned

In a statement to RTÉ News, the Association of Irish Local Government said it was 'disappointed' by comments that councils had 'badly failed' and pointed to the limitations of the 1990 legislation.

The challenge facing local authorities has never been a lack of commitment. Rather, it has been the limitations of the legislative framework established under the Derelict Sites Act 1990.

Figures collated by the Revenue Commissioner and the CSO show that more than €26 million in derelict site levies remained uncollected at the end of 2024. The association acknowledged that the current system requires reform but said substantial progress has been made through programmes involving local authorities.