Ireland's empty towns: Long-vacant sites are a blight on Cork towns

In the second in a series looking at dereliction across Munster, Pádraig Hoare examines the scourge of dereliction and long-term vacancy in County Cork

Derelict building on lower Main street, Mallow

A national plan is needed to help turn properties that have become eyesores into homes and businesses, which could include tax incentives for property owners who are asset rich but cash poor and streamlining the complicated and protracted process to allow for easier development, writes Pádraig Hoare

The scourge of dereliction and long-term vacancy is not just confined to major cities in Ireland — it is also pervading our towns.