The Derelict Sites Act 1990 which was enacted in June 1990 provides for more effective arrangements against land dereliction. It repeals the Derelict Sites Act 1961 and restates its relevant provisions thus consolidating the law on derelict sites and provides for an annual levy on certain derelict sites in urban areas.
What is a derelict site?
A “derelict site” means any land which detracts, or is likely to detract, to a material degree from the amenity, character or appearance of land in the neighbourhood of the land in question because of:
- The existence on the land in question of structures which are in a ruinous, derelict or dangerous condition, or
- The neglected, unsightly or objectionable condition of land or any structures on the land in question, or
- The presence, deposit or collection on the land in question of any litter, rubbish, debris or waste, except where the presence, deposit or collection of such litter, rubbish, debris or waste results from the exercise of a right conferred by statute or common law.
How to report a derelict site
To report a derelict site, please email at planning@laoiscoco.ie or call us at 057 86 64000
We will then carry out an inspection of the site to determine if it is qualifies to be entered on the Derelict Sites Register or what improvement measures need to be undertaken..
Derelict sites register
The Council maintains a Derelict Sites Register in accordance with the Derelict Sites Act 1990 which is kept in the Planning Department, Laois County Council Áras an Chontae, JFL Ave., Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 EHP9.
The information entered on the Register is as prescribed in S.(8) of the Act and includes the name and address of each derelict site owner & occupier, actions taken by the Council and the market value of the site.
You can contact us by email at planning@laoiscoco.ie or call us at 057 86 64000 with any queries or to make an appointment.
What happens if your site is added to the derelict sites register
Sites entered on the Register are subject to an annual derelict site levy of 7% of the market value of the site in the first year and up to 10% of the market value in any subsequent years. This levy will continue to apply until the site is rendered non-derelict.
Unpaid levies incur interest of 1.25% per month. Outstanding levies automatically become a charge on the land and will remain a charge until the levy amount is paid in full. The Council registers charges in Land Registry / The Registry of Deeds so if and when a derelict site with a charge registered on it is subject to a sale, purchasers will require vendors to have the charge removed as part of the conveyance process.
Any sites entered on the Derelict Sites Register may also be considered for acquisition, either compulsorily or by agreement, by the Council.
If you have any queries or complaints regarding derelict sites, contact your local authority.
Appeal a valuation
If you own a derelict site and you want to appeal a valuation made on it on behalf of a local authority, contact the Valuation Tribunal within 28 days of receiving the notice of valuation.