Darragh Adelaide, the People Before Profit representative for Clondalkin, has expressed his deep frustration and anger over the alarming number of vacant homes in the local community. While the official figure released by South Dublin County Council stands at a mere twelve vacant homes, Adelaide firmly believes that this number grossly underestimates the extent of the issue. He suspects that there may be many more vacant homes within the Clondalkin area that have not been reported.
Adelaide calls upon South Dublin County Council to take urgent action and initiate Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) for all vacant homes in Clondalkin. These vacant properties should be immediately repurposed to provide secure and affordable social housing for those in desperate need. It is a moral obligation for our local government to ensure that no one in our community is left without a roof over their head, especially when viable solutions like CPOs are readily available.
Darragh Adelaide said: “The situation is unacceptable. With a housing crisis affecting families and individuals across Clondalkin, it is incomprehensible that vacant properties remain untapped resources for much-needed social housing. The fact that we have even a single vacant home while people are struggling to find affordable and safe places to live is a disgrace. There is a house in the estate next to mine that has been vacant for over 10 years, it is in private ownership and has just been left there.
“The number of vacant homes in Clondalkin is a reflection of the failed housing policies that have plagued our community for far too long. We cannot stand by while properties sit empty while our fellow residents are suffering. We must act decisively to address this crisis head-on, and Compulsory Purchase is a necessary step in the right direction.”
People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny insists that this issue is not only about providing housing but also about revitalizing and strengthening our community. He said: “Reclaiming vacant properties for the greater good can breathe new life into Clondalkin, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity. The council has CPO’d vacant homes before and can do it again.”
