People Before Profit Councillor Madeleine Johansson has expressed anger as it was revealed that no money was collected by South Dublin County Council from the Derelict Sites Levy in 2023. The information was released as part of a question submitted by Councillor Johansson at the February council meeting. It was also revealed that there is €182,050 outstanding in arrears. The Derelict Sites Levy is charged on properties and sites that are on the Derelict Sites Register. At the January council meeting a motion proposed by Madeleine Johansson to introduce Compulsory Purchase Orders on properties on the register was voted down.
Cllr Johansson commented: “It’s outrageous that no money was collected in 2023 from the Derelict Sites Levy. These properties and sites have been vacant for more than 7 years and it’s blatantly clear that the owners have no interest in either using or selling these properties. They could be used to provide much needed homes for families in the area, if they were Compulsory Purchased by South Dublin County Council.”
“The Derelict Sites Levy was used as an excuse by councillors who voted against my motion, but it’s obvious that the levy is not working and that owners have no intention of paying it. It’s time to take action to stop dereliction and to use existing properties to provide much needed homes.”
People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny said: “It’s absolutely crazy that properties are being left for years and the owners are refusing to even pay the levies. They are eyesores in the community and attract illegal dumping and vermin. The fact that the levies aren’t being paid shows that the only option is for the council to step in and Compulsory Purchase these properties.”
