Advertisement We need your help now Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open. You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough. If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it. One-off amount I already contribute Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you. An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more. Investigates Investigates Money Diaries Daft.ie Property Magazine Allianz Home Magazine The 42 Sports Magazine The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories The building is located on Canal Road between Rathmines Road Lower and Ranelagh Road.The Journal Grand Canal Building collapse along Dublin canal example of why derelict site levy should rise, says councillor Cllr Hazel Chu says the 7% vacant site levy should increase. 6.07pm, 14 May 2025 Share options THE COLLAPSE OF a derelict building in Dublin city centre is a sign that the government must increase the derelict site levy, according to Dublin City Green Party councillor Hazel Chu. The vacant building, which is located across the road from the Grand Canal in Dublin 6, partially collapsed this week, resulting in Dublin Fire Brigade having to attend the scene to make it safe. Speaking to The Journal, Chu said she was very frustrated about the incident, stating that some years ago in 2021 she tried to get the site rezoned for mixed use residential and commercial, but the proposal was rejected. Advertisement Instead, it remained for commercial use only. The building was placed on the vacant sites register in 2023. Planning permission for the site was obtained in 2024, but no work had begun on the site prior to its collapse, she said. While the 7% derelict site levy was applied in 2023, it is clearly not enough to encourage the development of sites, Chu said. Each local authority keeps a Derelict Sites Register which includes the sites subject to an annual levy of 7% of its market value for being in a “ruinous, derelict, dangerous or neglected condition”. Related Reads Shared equity scheme gets two more years - but Sinn Féin says it will 'make things worse' RPZ changes will have 'significant impact' says Minister, who claims he understands renters' fears Government missed its target of social housing by about 18% (or 2,345 homes) last year The levy continues to apply until the site is no longer deemed derelict “It is clearly not enough in terms of applying to derelict sites around the city,” she said, adding that the government is literally “letting buildings fall down before we actual move to do something about them,” said the former Lord Mayor of Dublin. She also questioned why some sites were being zoned for commercial use and not residential in the middle of a housing crisis. Chu has suggested higher levies could apply for larger developers who have an ability to pay higher rates and who leave sites vacant. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal Christina Finn Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Building collapse along Dublin canal example of why derelict site levy should rise, says councillor ”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Building collapse along Dublin canal example of why derelict site levy should rise, says councillor ”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... derelict levy Grand Canal vacant site register News in 60 seconds ceasefire talks Will Putin and Trump turn up to Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul tomorrow? 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