Lowry welcomes extension of development levies waiver

The decision to extend the temporary waiver of Development Levies and the Water Connection Charge to the end of the year has been described by Deputy Lowry as both wise and essential.

"To do otherwise would break the cycle of progress in providing housing" he says.

Speaking on Tuesday, Deputy Lowry said that the waiving of these costs will undoubtedly further stimulate much-needed house-building for the remainder of 2024.

"The Waiver Scheme applies to all permitted residential developments including multi-unit developments, self-build houses and one-off rural houses, student accommodation and sheltered housing’ he says.

"This extension of the waiver, combined with the request to Local Authorities to zone further land for housing, and the commitment that the Planning and Development Bill will pass the Houses of the Oireachtas before the summer recess are all very positive.

"I have been actively promoting this move with the Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien, having met with several people in my Constituency who are increasingly anxious about the availability of housing" he says.

"I have also been speaking with members of the Construction Industry Federation and the Irish Homebuilders Association who have confirmed the effectiveness of the waivers to date", says Deputy Lowry.

Since last year, builders of new-build homes have not been required to pay Development Levies to Local Authorities for new-build homes. Instead, the Local Authority submits an invoice for the amount of the levy to the Government who, in turn, refund it back to the Local Authority.

Similarly, Water and Wastewater Connection Charges, which are levied by Uisce Éireann, are refunded to the developer when valid Commencement Notices are issued.

Deputy Lowry also adds that the extension of the waiver will have a positive knock-on effect for many local businesses: "Building suppliers, architects, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, windows and doors suppliers and even furniture stores will benefit from this decision. ‘Ultimately, it will ensure that money is going back into the local economy" he said.