Derelict site levies: €26.3m outstanding nationwide as councils collect small fraction of charges.
Local authorities imposed levies of almost €8.6 million on the owners of 778 derelict sites nationwide last year, but collected less than 10% of the amount billed in-year, according to newly published figures.
A report published by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage shows that €26.3 million was outstanding in respect of unpaid levies at the end of 2024, while 1,916 sites were recorded on the statutory derelict sites register.
Under the Derelict Sites Act, councils may apply a levy of up to 7%, and unpaid amounts accrue interest at 1.25% per month. The report also records a total of 2,869 notices or demands issued by local authorities under the legislation, with Cork City accounting for more than 10% of that total.
Limerick City and County Council issued 267 notices or demands, while Dublin City Council issued 245. No notices or demands were issued in Leitrim, while only two were issued in Wicklow, and six each in Donegal, Offaly and Sligo.
By county and city, Limerick recorded the highest number of derelict sites on the register (427), followed by Mayo (284), Cork City (158) and Dublin City (109). The lowest numbers were recorded in Wicklow (two) and County Galway (three).
The report indicates that €7.9 million was owed to Dublin City Council in respect of levies imposed under the Derelict Sites Act 1990, with a further €5.9 million owed in Cork City.
In terms of outcomes, issues were resolved and no further action was required in 566 cases following the issuance of notices or demands. The report also records five sites acquired by agreement and 126 acquired compulsorily.
Tipperary: local levies and revenue measures in 2025.
We understand that in 2025, Tipperary County Council issued derelict site levy notices to the owners of
77 properties on the county’s Derelict Sites Register.
Levy Notices: In July 2025, the council prepared to issue levy notices to 77 property owners. These notices involve an annual levy amounting to 7% of the property’s market value.
Derelict Sites Register: As of October 15th, 2025, the Tipperary Derelict Sites Register listed a total of 115 properties. This represents a significant increase from the 71 properties registered at the end of 2023.
Recent Additions: In late 2025, 25 houses in the Glen Court Estate in Emly were added to the register on October 1st. Earlier in July 2025, 22 properties in Clonmel were added.
Enforcement Actions: In addition to levies, the council issued legal letters to 84 site owners in early 2025 reminding them of their obligations to carry out remedial works.
Total Official Demands: According to data presented in the Oireachtas in November 2025, the total number of sites in Tipperary for which a notice or demand under the Derelict Sites Act was issued (historically up to that point) was 140.
For the most up-to-date or specific figures, you may check the Tipperary County Council Management Reports.
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