The lack of action on vacant sites in Kerry is very concerning, Kerry TD Pa Daly has said.
His comments come on foot of information provided via parliamentary question confirming that no eligible vacant sites have been identified and therefore no vacant site levies have been paid in the county for the past six years.
“I was disappointed, although not surprised, to learn that Kerry County Council has not identified an eligible vacant property on its register since 2018,” the general election candidate said.
Deputy Daly pointed out that the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 was intended to provide local authorities with a lever to address the then burgeoning housing crisis.
Up to seven per cent of the total market value of any vacant property could be levied against developers who were seen to be land hoarding.
“Like many government initiatives, the Act is toothless unless it enforced.
“At a time when we are in urgent need of housing and urban renewal, it is incredulous that the government and local authorities would leave these sites unregistered and forego the levies which could be used to deliver badly needed community services,” Deputy Daly stated.
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