Meaningful action called for at national level on dereliction in Waterford

Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Deputy Conor D. McGuinness, has slammed the Government for playing what he said is "the blame game" and making another announcement without taking any meaningful action to end dereliction.

Speaking in the issue on Monday, June 15, Deputy McGuinness said: "There have now been more than four announcements of the Derelict Property Tax since October. Every eight weeks, we are treated to the Tánaiste or the Minister for Housing telling us how sick of dereliction they are, while homes continue to rot."

“Local authorities have been very clear; they have said repeatedly that they do not have the resources or the support to collect the Derelict Sites Levy," he said.

"They have asked for help from Government but that help has not been received," he added.

He went on to say that "another announcement" on the Derelict Property Tax is not what's needed and that legislation is what's required.

Commenting that dereliction is "a blight on our cities, towns and villages", Deputy McGuinness said the Government can't ignore the issue.

"We need to see an end to buildings and homes in Waterford rotting," he said.

“The anti-social behaviour, dumping and rodents caused by these buildings is damaging our main streets and historic cores," he added, saying it's sucking the life from the local economy.

“The Government has made all of these announcements but the reality is that they have essentially introduced an amnesty on derelict sites levies," he said.

Deputy McGuinness also said levies owed to local authorities is also an issue: “As of 2024, €181,736 is owed in Derelict Sites Levies in Waterford and over €26 million owed across the state, yet there is no plan for Revenue to collect the debts owed and no additional resources for local authorities to recoup this funding."

“Those leaving homes to rot in a housing crisis continue to laugh all the way to the bank while Simon Harris stands on podiums announcing his tax," he said.

“The solution is a clear; a punitive derelict sites tax collected by Revenue, an end to waivers and an increase in the amount charged for every year a property is left derelict," he added.

"Those who choose to leave homes empty in a housing emergency must be penalised. We want to see every cent owed by speculators and land-hoarders collected and most importantly, we want to see an end to dereliction.”