Rory Hearne: Derelict and vacant property owners must use it or lose it 

Shortage of housing in this country is an artificial scarcity. There is an untapped supply of housing being hoarded by property owners, who allow it lie vacant or derelict. Policy half-measures will not suffice, it is time for action, writes Rory Hearne

A derelict property on Upper Cork Street, Mitchelstown, Co Cork which collapsed onto the street in July 2021. Picture: Larry Cummins

There is a building at the end of my street that was used as a fitness studio until 2010 but has been left vacant since then. 

It could be a home for a family. But it's not counted in official statistics as a vacant property, nor listed by Dublin City Council on the derelict register. It might be held by Nama, the banks, or the property owner might be just sitting on it.