Louth senator labels development levies increase “draconian”

Senator Erin McGreehan is urging those in the county planning to build a house, or buy one from a developer, to be aware of Louth County Council’s intention to increase the Development Scheme for Residential units by over 100%.

The scheme is a levy put on a new house, whether it’s built by a developer or a builder. The current cost is €5,400, but if the Council gets the go-ahead for its proposal it will be up to €11,646.

In a statement, the proposal has been described by Sen McGreehan as ‘draconian’.

“I am urging people who might be affected to make submissions to the Council. I genuinely feel this proposal is draconian and would further increase the cost of homes for many people in Co Louth.

“The levy should be left as it is, but if there’s a need to increase it, it should be in line with inflation, which is between 5% and 6%. What’s being proposed by the Council is an increase of 115.66%,” the Senator said.

The Draft Scheme is available to the public for inspection during working hours at the Louth County Council offices in Dundalk and Drogheda, and Sen McGreehan is urging people who might be affected to study the scheme and make a submission to the Council.

“The Draft Scheme can be inspected at the Council’s office at Dundalk’s Millennium Centre, St Alphonsus Road, and the Town Hall, Crowe Street and the Civic Offices, Fair Street, Drogheda.

“During housing and cost of living crises, home builders and prospective purchasers of new-build houses should not have an extra burden placed on them,” she concluded.