Tackling vacancy and dereliction must be a national priority – Murphy

Tackling vacancy and dereliction must be treated as a national priority and the existing framework of grants and regulations are not delivering the changes needed for communities, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Michael Murphy said: “Vacancy and dereliction of buildings is a challenge facing towns and villages right across Ireland.

“Empty and neglected properties undermine the vitality of our communities, discourage investment, and make it harder to deliver the housing and commercial space we urgently need.

“In Tipperary, we see first-hand the damaging impact of vacancy and dereliction, from small villages to major towns like Clonmel. But the same story can be told in every county. Communities are rightly frustrated by the slow pace of progress and the barriers that prevent properties being brought back into productive use.”

Deputy Murphy says the recent comments from the Tánaiste Simon Harris are positive signals that Budget 2026 will tackle vacancy and dereliction, however the reforms must be meaningful.

“The current system is too complex and too slow. We need to simplify and streamline the grant and regulatory framework so that property owners are given clear incentives – and, where necessary, strong obligations – to act. I also believe there is merit in considering carefully designed, time-bound tax incentives to encourage redevelopment. If linked directly to rental or commercial income from redeveloped properties, such a measure could ensure real value for money while delivering housing and jobs.”

Deputy Murphy said the economic and social benefits are clear: “Right now, these buildings generate nothing – no homes, no jobs, no tax revenue. Bringing them back into use would deliver immediate returns for the state through VAT on construction, higher commercial rates for local councils and ongoing rental and income tax revenue, as well as creating vibrant town centres once again.

“If we fail to act, the number of vacant and derelict units will remain stubbornly high and our town centres will continue to decline. Reform of the grant and regulatory system, coupled with targeted tax measures, can unlock private investment, restore confidence, and breathe new life into communities the length and breadth of Ireland.

“Tipperary is just one county affected – but this is a national challenge that demands a national response,” concluded Deputy Murphy