Clare County Council has begun the compulsory acquisition of 20 derelict properties in an escalation of efforts to combat dereliction and increase housing supply across the county.
The move signals an intensification in the local authority's approach to tackling long-term derelict sites in towns, villages and rural communities in Clare.
Of the 20 properties identified for compulsory acquisition, 15 were previously residential, while five were categorised as commercial.
Director of service for housing, Alan Farrell, said: "The use of the CPO (compulsory purchase order) process represents a proportionate intervention where necessary. It enables Clare County Council to act in the public interest to address dereliction and bring housing back into use."
The council is encouraging owners of derelict properties to engage with staff as soon as possible to identify the best resolution for bringing homes back into use.
"The message to owners of derelict properties is clear: engagement and action are essential," said Carmel Greene, senior executive office.
"The council offers a range of targeted and practical refurbishment supports, and owners of vacant or derelict properties can avail of these supports."
Clare County Council said the CPO notices have been served under the statutory powers of the Derelict Sites Act 1990, which empowers it to take proactive measures to prevent land from becoming or remaining a derelict site.
The move also forms part of a broader strategy aimed at accelerating housing delivery in Clare, which includes the creation of a specialised Housing Activation Unit within the council and the proposed amendment of the county development plan to designate more land for residential development.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant has been successful in Clare to date, with over €30m in grant aid approved, €15m of which has been paid out, and over 250 homes refurbished.
The grant has recently been extended to include over-the-shop commercial properties and an expert advice grant.
