Dereliction is a form of abuse and a social crime, so how can we justify it?

To end #DerelictIreland we need transparency and accountability and we need to enforce the law, write Dr Frank O’Connor and Jude Sherry

Vacant properties on Father Mathew Quay in Cork city. Groups are self-organising and campaigning for change, bound by an underlying belief that dereliction and vacancy can be turned into an opportunity to provide homes, places to play, create and work. Photo: Larry Cummins

Over the last six months, dereliction in Ireland has become newsworthy, it’s been hard to get through a day without its negative impacts being raised in Irish media. Conversations have emerged from all four corners of Ireland. 

There’s even been coverage of #DerelictIreland as far afield as Italy and France, not a particularly good Brand Ireland look. People are not only noticing the epidemic levels of dereliction across Ireland, but they are also realising that it can be ended with a change in mindset and political will.