Skip The "Bells and Whistles" – Tanaiste Scolds Councils Over Upgrades Holding Back Vacant Homes

Friday, 20 June 2025 15:53

By Martin Osborne

In remarks delivered in the Dáil, Harris said the Government would soon issue a circular to all local authorities, directing them to stop holding back homes for unnecessary upgrades.

Tanaiste Simon Harris has sharply criticised local authorities for allowing thousands of council homes to sit empty during a national housing crisis, saying people simply want homes that are “safe and warm” and not “the devil and all done.”

In remarks delivered in the Dáil, Harris said the Government would soon issue a circular to all local authorities, directing them to stop holding back homes for unnecessary upgrades.

"I have had a lot of discussions with a lot of people who are saying, "Hang on, if only I could get into that house. I do not need the devil and all done, I just need it to be safe and warm," Harris said.

“Health and safety should be the only grounds for the delay of the giving out of a local authority home,” he said.

The issue of vacancy has drawn increasing scrutiny amid wider concerns over missed housing targets and under-delivery.

Fianna Fail recently stated that it accepts the number of vacant homes is unacceptable, but doesn't think all the blame should lie with the government.

Figures released to Sinn Fein showed nearly 3 thousand council homes are currently vacant.

Of those, around 700 have been idle for more than a year.

129 homes are vacant in Kildare.

More from Local News

Taxi Driver Protest Suspended Pending Outcome Of Talks

The action has been suspended pending the outcome of a meeting at Government buildings next week.
Lights Could Make Anti-Social Behaviour Worse: Council Says No To Security Lighting At Kilcock Playground

A motion from Social Democrats Councillor Peter Melrose had called for lighting to improve passive surveillance, but officials say previous attempts in other playgrounds failed to curb antisocial behaviour - and in some cases made it worse.
BREAKING: Green Light For €1.3bn Drainage Scheme Serving Kildare After Court Agreement

The major project is seen as crucial to the provision of future housing infrastructure.
Kildare Man Nigel Cullen Awarded With National Bravery Award After Saving Young Man From House Fire

Audio

More than 17 people have been recognised at this year’s National Bravery Awards in Leinster House
Council Diverts €17K Carbury Castle Resoration Funding To Christmas Lights - Maynooth Gets Lion's Share

€11,000 has been assigned to Maynooth, as part of €17,000 redistributed from the Carbury Castle Restoration Project under Local Property Tax rules.
Lakeside–Dara Park Redevelopment: Newbridge Residents Urged To Take Part In Survey

An online anonymous survey is now live and will remain open until 4pm on Friday, January 16th, 2026.
Irish Troops Come Under "Small-Arms Fire" In Lebanon

Defence Minister Helen McEntee is condemning the incident, and says it's an unacceptable breach of the UN Security Council Resolution.
€17,000 Paid Out For Pothole Damage In Kildare - But Some Claims Now Deemed ‘Act Of God’

IPB Insurance, which manages complaints on behalf of Kildare County Council, is the insurance company some people appear to be having issues with.