Suspension of development levies set to be extended

• Published date: 15 April 2024
• Author: PAT LEAHY
• Publication title: Irish Times (Dublin, Ireland)

The temporary waiver of development contributions – levies charged by local authorities on new housing developments – was introduced last year but is due to lapse later this month

The suspension of the levies was intended to stimulate the building of new housing developments, and the level of commencements has increased sharply in the last 12 months. Ministers and senior officials believe the measure is working, and want to extend it.

It is expected that it will be extended from April 24th, when it is due to lapse, until the end of the year.

Figures on housing commencements for the first two months of the year show an increase of more than 70 per cent compared with last year, the Department of Housing has said.

The total cost of extending the levy is calculated at €240 million.

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Simon Harris is to meet the Road Safety Authority this morning to discuss the recent spate of road deaths. It is expected that the significant backlog in driving tests across the country will also be on the agenda.

It follows a meeting on Friday with Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Justice Minister Helen McEntee where road safety was also discussed.

The number of road deaths so far this year is 25 per cent higher than at the same point in 2023. Hot school meals

Mr Harris is also due to announce an expansion of the...