Small towns and vacant properties

Sir, – John Goode’s correspondence (Small towns – a looming crisis, Letters to the Editor, April 22nd) to your newspaper is timely. Our small towns offer walkability, public services, characterful homes, integrated food systems and social connection.

Planning permission still being granted by local authorities for rural one-off housing is indefensible as we face a climate crisis. As outlined in the National Development Plan 2021-2030, we are to “transition to a climate-neutral and climate-resilient society”.

Schemes like the Croí Cónaithe Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant cannot be availed of if ownership of vacant and derelict buildings cannot be established.

Dereliction taxation on empty buildings may catalyse a release of these properties for buyers and reduce the commercial rates of your correspondent. – Yours, etc,