Derelict and Vacant Sites

The Council employs a number of different mechanisms to deal with vacant properties, and to encourage the appropriate activation of sites.  These are as follows: 

Vacant sites register

• This can be applied to zoned, serviced sites, greater than 0.05 hectares (0.12 of an acre) in size
• In Kilkenny, this means VSR applies only to Kilkenny city, Callan, Castlecomer, Graiguenamanagh, Thomastown, Ferrybank and Rosbercon (New Ross)
• Can apply to either residentially zoned land, or other zoned land (e.g. commercial) if the site is causing an adverse effect.
• Vacant sites register & more info is available here
• Maps are available of the live vacant sites at that link
• Legislation governing this is the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act, 2015
• Contact the Planning department for more info: vsr@kilkennycoco.ie

Derelict sites register

• Legislation governing this is the Derelict Sites Act, 1990
• Can apply to any land that “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”
• Derelict sites register is available for inspection in the Planning dept. and online here
• Applies across the county, no site size threshold
• Contact the Planning department for more info: planning@kilkennycoco.ie

Vacant homes

• Options for owners of Vacant Properties interested in leasing or selling to Kilkenny County Council with a view to reactivation as a home:
  • Repair and Leasing Scheme for Vacant Houses
  • Buy & Renew Scheme for Vacant Houses
• Or, if you believe a house is vacant, it can be registered on a central portal https://vacanthomes.ie/ to alert local authorities who can then follow up with the owners to see whether the house can be brought back into use
• Compulsory purchase orders can be considered if necessary and appropriate
• Contact the Vacant Homes Officer for more information vacanthomes@kilkennycoco.ie