With Ireland facing an ongoing housing shortage and increasing pressure to revitalise towns and cities, bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use has become a national priority. However, while the ambition is clear, professionals involved in regeneration know that the legal and procedural barriers can be significant.
Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) are becoming a progressively important tool for Local Authorities seeking to unlock stalled sites for housing, infrastructure and community development. Yet acquiring property through compulsory purchase is rarely straightforward. Strict statutory procedures, complex ownership structures, constitutional property rights and lengthy objection processes can all delay projects.
The Derelict Sites Act 1990 remains a key piece of legislation in tackling neglected properties but applying it in practice presents many challenges. Identifying derelict sites, serving notices correctly, establishing ownership and progressing enforcement action all require careful legal and procedural compliance. Even small errors can result in costly delays or legal challenges.
The Compulsory Purchase Order Bill is expected to modernise Ireland's compulsory acquisition framework by streamlining procedures, introducing reforms to compensation and improving acquisition timelines. While these changes aim to accelerate regeneration projects, they also create new responsibilities for professionals working in planning, housing, engineering, surveying and legal practice.
Compensation continues to be one of the most complex aspects of the CPO process. Valuation disputes, arbitration, advanced payments and evolving case law all require careful management to minimise risk and avoid unnecessary delays. Likewise, objections leading to An Coimisiún Pleanála oral hearings demand thorough preparation and a strong understanding of statutory requirements.
As Ireland continues to prioritise urban regeneration and housing delivery, professionals must remain up to date with legislative reform, case law and best practice. Understanding both the legal framework and the practical reality of compulsory acquisition is essential for delivering successful projects while protecting the public interest.
CMG Training is delivering Compulsory Purchase Orders & Dereliction – A Practical Legal Guide to Navigating CPO & Dereliction in Ireland on 5 October 2026, streamed live from CMG Studios.
This practical one-day course covers:
Ideal for Local Authorities, planners, solicitors, engineers, surveyors, housing professionals and developers, this course provides practical guidance to help participants confidently navigate one of Ireland's most important areas of property and planning law.
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