Councils have missed out on millions of euro in uncollected levies owed for derelict sites.

Just 7% of cash due was paid to councils, 2021 figures show.

The total levied on sites in 2021 was just over €5m - but the total amount collected was under €1.1m.

The derelict sites levy was supposed to play a key role in ending the blight of vacant properties across the country.

Under the scheme, local authorities are required to maintain a derelict sites register, including the names and addresses of owners and occupiers.

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The register has been called "a key blueprint to address vacancy" by the Housing Minister - yet 15 out of 31 local authorities, including two of Dublin's four local authorities, did not impose a single levy in 2021.

Figures obtained by Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould revealed that many councils were failing.

"The State needs more powers to compel local authorities to deal with this issue," he said.

"If I got a parking ticket, I would pay the fine but if I let a property rot and go to rack and ruin, it is without consequence.

"We have a housing crisis and the State is littered with derelict properties."