The Government has been accused of "not moving fast enough" in bringing empty homes back into use in Ireland.

Labour Housing spokesperson, Jan O'Sullivan TD, also hit out at Housing Minister Simon Coveney for not publishing the Vacant Homes Strategy.

She said: "Ireland has a much higher rate of empty properties than average, at 13% of the total housing stock, which is nearly double the usual level for a functioning housing market.

-- Advertisement --

"There is no evidence that this has changed since the census figures were published in August, and is it high time for the Government to take decisive action.

"The most effective tool at their disposal is a tax on properties that are left empty for long periods. By all means let there be incentives as well, whether to assist the owner with the cost of renovation or more useful in my view, by allocating money directly to Local Authorities to purchase and refurbish the home for families on their waiting list.

"Last Autumn I published an eight point plan to bring vacant homes back in to use. I also support the call by the Peter McVerry Trust for each County and City Council to appoint a vacant homes officer, to find out what properties are vacant and why and to proactively work to have them occupied again."

(CD/LM)