People Before Profit Councillor Madeleine Johansson has expressed her delight following the approval of her motion at the December meeting of South Dublin County Council, which calls for the Chief Executive to initiate Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) on all properties listed on the Derelict Sites Register. This motion is part of a broader effort to tackle the housing crisis by bringing long-neglected properties back into use. Cllr. Johansson hailed the decision as “a small but significant step towards addressing the urgent need for housing and revitalizing our communities.”
In her speech during the council meeting, Cllr. Johansson emphasized the gravity of the housing crisis and the responsibility of local authorities to act decisively. She stated: “This motion is asking the Chief Executive to initiate Compulsory Purchase Orders on all the sites on the Derelict Sites Register. It is a disgrace that we continue to have homes left vacant and derelict, no matter the reason, during a housing emergency. We have nearly 15,000 people in emergency accommodation, tens of thousands living in overcrowded houses, and across the country, over 160,000 vacant homes. We cannot afford to stand by.”
The motion builds on existing efforts outlined in the Council’s report, which noted progress in acquiring and restoring derelict properties under the Derelict Sites Act. Currently, 23 sites are listed on the register, with ongoing actions that have already seen some properties refurbished, sold, or reoccupied. However, Cllr. Johansson stressed that these efforts fall short of meeting the pressing need. “I welcome the actions already taken, but the target of 30 set by the government is wholly inadequate. This council must do more to meet and exceed that target to address the scale of the crisis,” she added.
Cllr. Johansson reaffirmed her commitment to holding the council accountable for delivering on this motion and ensuring swift implementation. She concluded that “People Before Profit will continue to lead the charge for bold, meaningful action to resolve the housing crisis.”
