The number of derelict sites across the State increased last year as homelessness figures reached record highs, new figures have shown.

The data, released to Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould, show levies and fines aimed at reducing the number of derelict sites are not being paid by owners, with just €1 million of €5.6 million owed collected in 2022.

In total, €16.9 million of levies are currently outstanding.

READ MORE - Ireland is failing to solve derelict buildings and what Government can do

Local authorities are responsible for dealing with derelict sites in their area. They can use certain powers to enforce the clean-up of these sites.

Landowners must enter their sites on the Derelict Sites Register and pay an annual levy to the local authority. The derelict sites levy amounts to 7 per cent of the market value of the land concerned.

Figures from 2022 show that the number of sites across the country entered on to the derelict sites register increased from 1,465 at the start of the year to 1,583. While 299 sites were removed, 417 were added.

The total amount of levies issued amounted to €5.6 million last year. However, local authorities collected just €969,886.

Dublin City Council levied the most on derelict site owners in 2022, charging €1.5 million on 78 sites. It was paid just €490,000 of these levies.

Cork City Council levied €1.4 million on 109 sites but collected just €281,564.

As of December 31, unpaid built up levies had reached €16.9 million.

Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould in September 2022

Sinn Féin’s Thomas Gould told The Irish Mirror that these sites should not be allowed to lay derelict in the middle of a housing crisis.

He said: "We can see that there is almost €17 million owed across this state in derelict sites levies.

"It is deeply frustrating that people are being allowed to let homes rot in the middle of a housing crisis.

"If a person gets a parking ticket, they must pay it, but land hoarders are being allowed to rack up thousands upon thousands of euros in levies.

"Local authorities collected less than 17 per cent of the amount levied throughout the year. It is very clear that the Derelict Sites levy is not being implemented and that it is not working.

"I have a Bill in the Oireachtas that would make local authorities work with the Minister to come up with a plan to collect this levy.

"We have seen so many carrots for speculators, land hoarders and vulture funds. It is time for sticks.

"It is time to disincentivise leaving homes to rot."

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