Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has today called for a reform of the Vacant Homes Tax. His comments come as CSO data for Q4 2024 indicated that 1439 homes were vacant in Wicklow, and over 70,000 across the state.
Teachta Brady said:
“Just 130 homes were self-assessed as liable for the Vacant Homes Tax in 2025 in Wicklow, despite the CSO identifying 1439 homes that are potentially liable for this tax.
“Statewide, the CSO have identified over 70,000 vacant homes, but only 2,361 were self-assessed as liable for the Vacant Homes Tax in 2025.
“While some may not be eligible, we know that there are speculators and landhoarders laughing all the way to the bank because of the weak actions of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
“I am contacted every single day by people who see empty homes in their communities. They see them fall into disrepair and often they contact me because they, or someone they love, does not have access to secure and affordable accommodation. Leaving homes to rot in a housing crisis is akin to hoarding food in a famine.
“The Vacant Homes Tax is a failure. That is the reality. There is no excuse for tens of thousands of potentially liable homes not paying this tax.
“The government is all carrot and no stick. They do not believe in penalising those who leave homes to rot in our communities because they are more interested in tax breaks for developers and speculators.
“We need to see a Vacant Homes Tax with teeth. Families in Wicklow deserve better – they deserve homes not shells. They deserve neighbours not dumping grounds.
“It is clear that providing grants will only go so far. What Wicklow needs now is a Vacant Homes Tax that penalises those who choose to leave homes to rot in a housing crisis.
“Instead, this Government is happy to leave these homes to rot while thousands of children grow up in hotels. It is a disgrace.”
ENDS