Homeowners will have to declare vacant properties to Revenue and why they are empty

Paschal Donohoe is looking to fast-track new legislation through the Dáil to grant additional powers to Revenue to gather information on vacant homes. Picture: Sam Boal/RollingNews.ie

Owners of vacant homes will now have to declare their unused houses to the Revenue Commissioners and explain why they are empty, as part of reforms to the Local Property Tax (LPT).

New legislation, which finance minister Paschal Donohoe, is looking to fast-track through the Dáil before the summer recess will grant additional powers to the Revenue Commissioners to gather the information on vacant homes.