Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West has made an appeal to South Dublin County Council (SDCC) to take the issue of vacant and derelict houses more seriously, saying that it borders on immoral to leave derelict houses to fall down as the housing crisis only worsens.

Teachta Crowe made his comments after a protest outside of a local house in Kingswood, Tallaght that has stood vacant for over 15 years.

Teachta Crowe said:

“Last weekend, myself and a group of local activists protested outside of a local house in Kingswood, Tallaght that has been left vacant for the past 15 years. This was not directed at the owners specifically, but at all individuals who allow a property to lie rotting and decaying.

“This property is just one of the numerous examples of derelict homes I have come across in my work. It also has a dead tree in the garden which is clearly dangerous and needs to be urgently removed.

“The local authority, South Dublin County Council, is aware of the house in question and needs to become more proactive in relation to sites under its responsibility.

“SDCC have stood by and left this house go to rack and ruin while the numbers on our housing lists only worsen every year. Frankly, I think it borders on immoral to allow houses to fall down while thousands of families are crying out for homes.

“Derelict homes are an insult to those suffering from this housing crisis. They create local eye sores and can attract litter tipping, not to mention the inevitable pest and rodent problems that a derelict property generates. They are also appalling to live beside and can attract anti-social elements.

“I am appealing to the council to prioritise and take the issue of vacant sites and derelict homes more seriously. If you look at the Vacant Site Register held by SDCC, there are only 11 entries. Clearly, this isn’t a priority for the council and I call on them to make it clear why, in the midst of a housing shortage, that it is not so.”