Local TD Calls Out Wicklow County Council's Efforts In Tackling Dereliction In Arklow

Malcolm Byrne is unhappy at the apparent lack of effort from Wicklow County Council in tackling ongoing issues of dereliction in Arklow while contrasting that with work in his Wexford

A Fianna Fáil TD has raised concerns in the Dáil over what he described as a “serious problem” of urban dereliction in Arklow, contrasting the performance of two neighbouring county councils in tackling the issue.

Wicklow–Wexford's Malcolm Byrne contrasted efforts by the two neighbouring council chiefs in his constituency, by telling the Dáil that there appears to be an “inconsistency of approach between local authorities” when it comes to dealing with derelict properties.

Speaking during Leaders’ Questions, the Gorey representative drew a direct comparison between the work of Wexford County Council and Wicklow County Council, highlighting what he sees as contrasting levels of action.

“Serious problem in Arklow”

In his contribution, Deputy Byrne pointed to what he described as effective action in Gorey:

“I look at Gorey where Wexford County Council has taken a very active approach to deal with the problem of derelict buildings, and then I look at Arklow and I see the problem where Wicklow County Council hasn't taken an active approach,” adding “There is a serious problem with dereliction particularly in the centre of the town.”

The TD questioned how consistency could be achieved nationwide in tackling vacant and derelict buildings, arguing that some councils are clearly doing more than others with the same powers.

Taoiseach acknowledges uneven performance

Responding, Taoiseach Micheál Martin accepted that there is variation in how local authorities address dereliction and said Byrne’s concerns reflected government data. He stated: “Some councils do far more than others.”

Martin added that this uneven approach had already influenced recent policy decisions, including a move to involve Revenue in enforcement to strengthen compliance:

“The Minister has produced the data in respect of this… that’s motivated the decision in the last budget to move it to Revenue to enforce dereliction.”

He said the aim is to create a more consistent national approach, but stressed that local authorities still have a key role “Local authorities should still be actively pursuing this issue.”

Wider context

Dereliction has been a long-running issue in towns such as Arklow, where vacant and neglected buildings have been cited as a barrier to regeneration and town-centre vitality.

The local TD's remarks place renewed political focus on whether councils are fully using existing enforcement powers — and whether national policy needs to do more to ensure consistent action across different counties.

The exchange highlights a broader tension in local governance: how to balance local autonomy with uniform standards in tackling urban decline.