Sinn Féin is proposing a new law to put pressure on local authorities to crack down on dereliction.
Almost €2 million in fines levied on derelict properties in the midlands were left outstanding by the end 2020.
In that year alone, €370,000 in penalties were administered in Westmeath, only €6,500 of which were collected.
Local authorities in Laois and Offaly failed to issue a single fine to owners of derelict buildings during the same period.
Sinn Féin is introducing legislation to increase the onus on local authorities to crack down on dereliction and levy collection.
Longford-Westmeath TD Sorca Clarke says those properties could alleviate the housing crisis:
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