Landowners and property developers owe local authorities nearly €50 million in unpaid vacant sites levies as just over one percent of the total amount due was collected last year.
In 2022 alone, vacant sites levies of €9.6 million were imposed on landowners and developers in respect of idle properties around the country, but only €138,335 has been collected.READ MORE: As many as two million houses will need to be built in Ireland by 2050, according to new report Limerick County Council successfully collected the highest amount at €101,500 in respect of one site, but levies worth €920,500 on five other sites remain unpaid.
The following year, a total of 186 vacant sites were identified and 169 demands were issued by local authorities seeking €18.2 million. This resulted in payments relating to 34 sites amounting to €2.9 million.