Clare County Council has begun the compulsory acquisition of 20 derelict properties in what officials describe as an escalation of efforts to tackle long-term vacancy and boost housing supply across the county.
The move targets properties in towns, villages and rural communities and marks a more assertive use of powers under the Derelict Sites Act 1990.
Of the 20 properties identified, 15 were previously residential, while five were classified as commercial.
The council says the compulsory purchase order (CPO) process is being used in cases where intervention is necessary to bring neglected buildings back into productive use.
Director of Service for Housing, Alan Farrell, said:
"The use of the CPO 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 also urging property owners to engage early and make use of available supports aimed at refurbishment and reuse of vacant buildings.
Senior Executive Officer, Carmel Greene, said:
"The message to owners of derelict properties is clear: engagement and action are essential. The Council offers a range of targeted and practical refurbishment supports, and owners of vacant or derelict properties can avail of these supports. We therefore encourage owners of derelict properties to engage with our staff as soon as possible to identify the best resolution for bringing these homes back into use."
The initiative forms part of a wider housing strategy in Clare County Council, which includes the establishment of a dedicated Housing Activation Unit and proposed changes to the county development plan to release more land for residential development.
Parnell street, Ennis, County Clare, Ireland
Officials say these measures are designed to speed up housing delivery while tackling visible dereliction in communities across the county.
The council also highlighted the impact of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, which has seen significant uptake in Clare. So far, over €30 million in grant aid has been approved, with €15 million already paid out, supporting the refurbishment of more than 250 homes.
The scheme has recently been expanded to include over-the-shop properties, along with an expert advice grant, as part of efforts to widen the range of buildings that can be brought back into use.
The latest CPO action signals a clear shift in enforcement, with Clare County Council positioning derelict property activation as a central pillar of its housing response strategy.
