The Derelict Vacant Sites Bill 2017 has been blocked by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.

Fine Gael raised concerns about constitutional implications of moving the timeline on levies forward, while Fianna Fáil objected to the stronger tenancy rights in the Bill, which was co-signed by the independent Civil engagement Group.

The Green Party said the news was "extremely disappointing".

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Senator O'Sullivan said: "Our Bill was designed to tackle vacancy and dereliction in our town centres, and to encourage an end to a situation where we have 200,000 empty houses in the middle of a homelessness crisis. The measures outlined in the Bill were aimed at creating a much needed sense of urgency into tackling vacancy and dereliction in this country. It was designed to regenerate our urban areas, and bring life back to the centre of our towns and cities. While the Bill may have failed, it has brought the issue to prominence and highlighted ways in which the Government's approach is lacking.

"We look forward to working with Government and all groups in the Seanad to improve this situation."

(CD/LM)