Compulsory Purchase Order Activation Programme

Local authorities are working to tackle vacant and derelict properties across Ireland. The goal is to bring these homes and buildings back into use for communities.

The CPO Activation Programme, launched in April 2023, helps councils use their legal powers to buy vacant or derelict properties when owners won’t cooperate or can’t be found. This ensures properties don’t stay empty and neglected.

To make this happen, different council teams work together – including Vacant Homes Officers, Derelict Sites Teams, Town Regeneration Officers, and Social Housing Teams. They:

• Identify vacant and derelict properties.
• Find and contact the owners.
• Offer supports to help owners bring properties back into use.
• If owners refuse or can’t be found, use compulsory purchase powers to take over the property.

Funding:

Councils can access several funding sources to buy and redevelop these properties, including:

• Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) – Call 3
• Social Housing Investment Programme – for turning vacant buildings into homes, including large sites or blocks.
• Housing Finance Agency – provides extra funding for acquisitions.

Targets and Reporting:

Under the programme, councils must set targets, record progress, and report results. Each year, data on achievements will be published under the Delivering Homes, Building Communities plan.