“The amount of dereliction actually surprised me.”
Limerick has 414 properties on its derelict sites register as of April 1st, 2025—more than Dublin and Cork city combined.
Despite a dedicated derelict properties team operating since 2017, the problem has not eased. The team has carried out almost 8,000 inspections, issued over 2,000 notices, and has either acquired or plans to acquire 300 properties. But vacant buildings continue to dominate the city centre and surrounding areas.
Councillor Sarah Kiely said much of the derelict stock could be put to simple, practical use. “You don’t need a lot,” she said, pointing to the old CIE building on Carey’s Road. She suggested it could be turned into a basketball court or a base for Limerick’s marching bands.
Activists have also raised alarms. William Duffy, who runs the Derelict Limerick Instagram page, said a walk down Catherine Street opened his eyes. “The amount of dereliction actually surprised me,” he said. Duffy began photographing abandoned buildings and posting them online to highlight the issue. “I said to myself, ‘I’m gonna run out of derelict buildings to photograph’—and I haven’t run out yet,” he said.
Local politicians are demanding tougher action. TD Conor Sheehan acknowledged that “Limerick city centre does have its challenges” but argued that current measures are too weak. “We need stronger teeth,” he said, calling for a vacant homes tax set at least three times the rate of the local property tax.
While efforts are underway, the scale of dereliction continues to impact Limerick’s recovery and image. Campaigners and officials agree that without faster interventions and harsher penalties, hundreds of properties will remain empty and falling apart in the heart of the city.