Over 11,000 properties entered into Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Activation Programme across 2023 and 2024
- Published on: 21 October 2025
- Last updated on: 21 October 2025
Ministers Browne and Cummins encourage local authorities to make full use of their powers under the Derelict Sites Act and Housing Act
Figures released today by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage show that in 2023, local authorities entered 5,027 properties into the CPO Activation Programme, followed by 6,159 properties in 2024. ‘Entry’ refers to the point at which a local authority begins actively working to identify the property's owner and engage with them about bringing the site back into productive use.
Launched in 2023, the CPO Activation Programme supports local authorities in systematically identifying vacant and derelict properties, engaging with owners, and using compulsory purchase powers under the Derelict Sites Act and Housing Act when needed.
Data is collated for each local authority under the programme, covering both the number of properties entered and the number of CPOs initiated, where owners do not engage to bring their properties into use. It highlights the work being carried out across local authorities, but also the significant variation in how different local authorities use compulsory purchase powers.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD said:
"I have been very clear on this as a matter of priority. Dereliction and vacancy in our provincial towns and city centres is unacceptable, particularly during a housing crisis.
“Through the CPO Activation Programme, we are empowering local authorities to take decisive action and deliver real results.
"The latest data highlights the momentum local authorities have built in returning vacant homes to use and I would like to acknowledge and commend their continued efforts, and want to encourage more of it.
“I would urge local authorities to use the full range of legislative tools including CPOs where needed to address long-term vacancy. Derelict buildings are a significant challenge but there an opportunity for new homes and facilities.”
Minister for State with Responsibility for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins, TD said:
“Nothing frustrates people more than seeing vacant and derelict properties in their cities, towns and villages.
“There are a number of schemes property owners can avail of such as the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and the Repair and Lease scheme.
“It’s clear some local authorities are being proactive in this space and I commend them for doing so. However, having travelled to 17 local authorities it has emerged there is an inconsistency in tackling this issue.
“Local authorities have strong legal tools under the Derelict Sites Act to CPO properties and these powers cannot go unused when property owners refuse to engage or act.”
The CPO Activation Programme is part of a broader suite of Government measures aimed at revitalising urban and rural areas, including the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, the forthcoming Derelict Property Tax, and the extended Living City Initiative.
Call 3 of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund provides an €150 million fund specifically for local authorities to acquire long-term vacant and derelict buildings and sites, including by CPO, for reuse or sale. There are now over 1,370 properties approved under the Fund and the expected yield of the programme is over 5,600 residential units by 2030.
Ends
The latest data on local authorities’ CPO activity is available here.