Real and decisive action must be taken by the government to reduce the cost of building a home, a local TD has said.
Deputy Seán Canney said it is pointless to criticise President Michael D. Higgins who spoke about the crisis recently, and that the government should focus on reducing the costs that are within their control.
The Independent TD said that right now, anyone who builds their own home faces costs in excess of €20,000 before they put a spade in the ground.
The biggest costs are taxes, legal costs, development levies, waste, sewerage connection costs and ESB connection charges.
Canney said that a VAT Refund Scheme would shave 13.50% off the cost of a house, saving a first-time buyer €36,000 on a €300,000 house.
“Abolish the development levies paid to the Local Authorities and fund the Local Authorities directly from central exchequer funds. This would save first time purchasers up to €3,500,” the Galway East TD added.
“Set a maximum fee for Irish Water for sewerage and water connection which again can be up to €20,000 per house.
“This is a penal charge and the Government need to cap this charge at a maximum of €1,500 for sewerage and €1,500 for water.
“If Government are serious, they need to take appropriate action to arrest the biggest housing crisis facing our young people.”
