Tipperary TD calls for immediate action to tackle vacancy and dereliction

Deputy Seamus Healy has called for the immediate application of the 7% derelict properties tax to long-neglected properties such as Market Place in Clonmel, for Clonmel to be included in the Living City Initiative, and for changes to the Over the Shop Scheme to help tackle vacancy and bring town centres back to life.

Speaking in the Dáil, he stated, “This tax has now been pushed out for almost another two years until June 2028. That is much too long and should be shortened during the passage of the legislation.

“There may of course be a case for a single property owner in difficult circumstances but there is no case to be made for large property owners, some with multiple derelict properties across the country.

“Such a property is Market Place, Clonmel, which has been largely vacant and derelict for more than ten years. It has been described as a ghost town. Vacancy and dereliction accelerated after the closure of SuperValu in 2016, but it was the subject of a distressed auction as far back as 2012.

“Big developers and property owners must not be allowed to sit on this property and properties like it a minute longer and it should be subject to the 7% tax immediately on the passing of this legislation.

“The main streets of all our towns across the country have high vacancy rates. Clonmel is no exception with a vacancy rate of 18.8%, which is above the national average of 14.5% but lower than many other towns of its size across the country.

“The Living City initiative, a tax incentive scheme aimed at refurbishing vacant properties, was originally introduced for Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway. The updated scheme introduced in Budget 2026 extended that to some larger towns but Clonmel was excluded. I ask the Minister to amend the scheme during the passage of the legislation to include Clonmel.

“Another scheme aimed at tackling vacancy is the Over the Shop scheme and that should also be revised. Currently, only individuals can apply for support under this scheme.

“However, many town centre shops are owned by long-established small family companies, effectively micro companies. These small companies are not eligible for support. This change would give the scheme a significant impact on town centres across the country”.