Not one local council applied for available funds for extra staff to tackle vacant homes

Cork County Council pointed out that, while it has not hired an extra vacant homes officer, it has put in place a dedicated vacant homes unit with five full-time equivalent staff. File picture: Denis Minihane

Not a single council in the country has applied for extra dedicated staff to tackle the scourge of vacant homes and buildings despite funding being available for the roles.

Of the 31 local authorities, 30 have just one dedicated vacant homes officer even though a single staff member is not regarded as sufficient for the workload, particularly in larger councils.