Local TD calls on Government to tackle derelict properties

A local Sinn Fein TD is calling on the Government to tackle the housing crisis by reforming derelict site rules.

A new piece of legislation launched by Sinn Fein would make it a requirement for a local authority who has collected less than 75% of the Derelict Sites Levy to publish a report outlining the reason why it was not collected.

Longford Westmeath Deputy Sorcha Clarke says the current methods of collecting the tax is not working with over 12 million euro outstanding.

The Sinn Fein TD says bringing run down houses back to life regenerates and revitalises both rural and urban areas.