Removal of Development Levies will support thousands of homes across Rural Ireland

Fianna Fáil Senator Pat Casey has said the removal of development levies from house construction will support the growth and development of rural Ireland. The move comes as part of the government's strategy to reduce the cost of construction and increase the supply of housing under Housing For All. 

The removal of development levies required to connect new homes with roads, water and other services will result in savings of up to €12,650 per home on average, cutting the cost of building a home. 

Senator Casey said, “This move is a further significant boost to rural Ireland, which is thriving in terms of employment and population growth. The removal of development levies will encourage more people to stay and live in rural Ireland. 

“According to the latest data, in 2022, there were a total of 29,851 completions, with 18.5% of these being one-off houses, totalling 5522. The removal of development levies will support these one-off houses, making it more affordable for people to build and own their own homes. I would suspect that we would see over 10,000 one-off houses completed in the country over the next two years.” 

In 2021, there were a total of 20,553 completions, with 23% of these being one-off houses, totalling 4736. This represents a significant number of one-off houses being built, and the removal of development levies will help to increase this growth.

Senator Pat Casey stated, "The removal of development levies is a significant boost to rural Ireland, and will encourage more people to stay and live in these areas. We want to see rural Ireland thriving, and this is one step towards achieving that. It will make it more affordable for people to build their own homes and contribute to the growth and development of their local communities."

ENDS