As many as 19,000 properties could be covered by the new Derelict Property Tax.
The Tánaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris yesterday updated Government on the tax which is set to be included in the Finance Bill later in the year.
This new tax will replace the current Derelict Sites Levy, which is charged at 7% of the market value of the property.
Government ministers heard that the rate for the new tax would not be lower than 7%.
Work is now underway to define what a derelict property is.
While there are around 2,100 properties on the Derelict Sites Register, research indicates that the total number of derelict properties could be as high as 19,000.
A preliminary list will be published in 2027 and owners will be able to make a case to their local authority if they believe their property is not derelict.
A spokesperson for the Tánaiste said the tax is about changing behaviour and ensuring properties cannot be left idle for years while communities suffer the consequences.
