Limerick is bringing more vacant sites back into use than any other area in Ireland.

Figueres obtained by Newstalk reporter Josh Crosbie show Limerick City and County Council has served 250 compulsory notices since 2018.

It currently has agreed €6.5 million sales with these properties.

A sample size from 20 councils shows a wide discrepancy around the country, with more than 755 sites overall having been brought back into use.

Limerick County Council Vacant Homes Officer David O'Grady said the process is ongoing.

"We're out there every day pounding the streets, checking properties, checking ownership and trying to again work with owners," he said.

"You could say there's a bit of a carrot and stick approach involved.

"Ownership is one of the biggest challenges to solving dereliction vacancy... there are properties out there that the owner is unknown".

An aerial view of Limerick City. Picture by: Stephen Power / Alamy Stock Photo

Mr O’Grady said there is a specific approach involved.

"When we would acquire property we would refer to our colleagues in housing to see do they have a need for it," he said.

"If they don't have an immediate need, we'll then turn it out into the private market.

"We could also, for instance, look at the community needs - does a community have a specific interest in a property for a community use?

"Or we the council take the role, as the developer, we bring it back to a use where a new owner can take it on and put their own mark and stamp on it".

In Dublin, between the four local authorities, there have been 127 properties brought back to use since units were set up to tackle the issue.

In other areas, such as Monaghan, more than 50 social homes have been brought back under dereliction legislation.

In Louth 98 properties have been compulsory purchased, with all of them returned for use as social housing stock.

Derelict/vacant properties brought back into use

• MONAGHAN: 50+
• MEATH: 14
• WEXFORD: 22
• DUN LAOGHAIRE-RATHDOWN: 1
• WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY: Approx. 45
• FINGAL: 84
• CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL: 9
• LAOIS: 15
• KILDARE: 13
• LOUTH: 98
• SOUTH DUBLIN: 62
• DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL: 36
• ROSCOMMON: 2
• LONGFORD: 6
• CORK COUNTY: 103
• LIMERICK: 250

Listen to the full report on Newstalk Breakfast from 7am

Main image: Buildings in disrepair are seen in 2011 in Dublin city. Picture by: Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland