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DERELICTION OF DUTY: How successful has the new vacant sites levy been in freeing up land for housing development around Ireland?

Ireland

It is one of the key planks of a government strategy to free up land for much-needed housing development. The vacant sites levy allows local authorities create a register of disused or derelict lands in their area. The owners of those lands would be charged an annual levy of 7% of the value of the land.

2 Backers raised €215 of €1500

Completed

WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE: How much did a controversial road scheme in Kilkenny City actually cost and has it delivered what it was supposed to?

Kilkenny

It was one of the most controversial road developments of recent years in Ireland, a plan to build a new bridge across the River Nore in Kilkenny.

46 Backers raised €1371 of €1350

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THIS HOSTEL LIFE: How much are local authorities around the country paying for hostels, B&Bs, and hotels for the homeless?

Ireland

In March 2020, Dublin recorded the lowest number of families in emergency accommodation in three years. Yet, the numbers are still staggering with over 1,100 parents and children in B&Bs, hubs, and hotels.

3 Backers raised €60 of €1000

Completed

SHORT-TERM LET, LONG-TERM PAIN: Why do councils struggle to put a stop to properties being used exclusively on sites like Airbnb?

National

Property owners can pull in hundreds of euro per night renting out homes as round-the-year accommodation on platforms like Airbnb and hotel booking sites, making similar amounts in a week to what they could otherwise expect to receive in a month or more from a long-term tenant.

5 Backers raised €800 of €800

Completed

SINK OR SWIM: How could an historic sea baths get renovated yet remain closed to swimmers for six months each year?

Dublin

It cost €2.4 million to refurbish with local residents hoping that their long-closed sea water swimming baths would finally re-open to the public.

4 Backers raised €503 of €500

Completed

AWAY FROM PRYING EYES: Why do some local authorities still not webcast their meetings?

National

Almost fifteen years ago, Fingal County Council became the first local authority in Ireland to make its council meetings available live online.

13 Backers raised €1165 of €1100

Completed

SELLING THE FAMILY SILVER: Dublin City Council's plans to 'consolidate' 33 valuable depot sites.

Dublin

Across Dublin city, there are a network of 33 council depot sites – many of them located on prime development land.

4 Backers raised €100 of €100