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Harris 'remains to be convinced' developer tax breaks are the most effective tool to boost supply
Harris 'remains to be convinced' developer tax breaks are the most effective tool to boost supply

The Journal

time23-06-2025

  • Business
  • The Journal

Harris 'remains to be convinced' developer tax breaks are the most effective tool to boost supply

TÁNAISTE SIMON HARRIS has said he remains to be convinced that tax breaks for developers is the most effective tool when it comes to boosting housing supply. Speaking in Brussels this morning, where he is attending a Foreign Affairs Council meeting, he referenced an interview with top builder Sean Mulryan in the Business Post newspaper this weekend, whereby the developer dismissed the idea that tax breaks is the solution to Ireland's housing crisis. The Ballymore founder and chairman said tax reliefs were 'not the answer', stating that getting more land zoned and infrastructure built should be priority. Advertisement 'The fact that those who are responsible for building many houses actually suggested other practical steps that could be more impactful. When I talk to people who are in the industry, and indeed, when I talk to many people who just want a home in Ireland, in what is a housing emergency, I think the most important thing is that we get the viability measures right,' said the Tánaiste this morning. Harris said there's a range of ways to make construction more viable, particularly apartments. The next 'big move' government will take is the publication of the National Development Plan next month, which will set out and fund faster delivery around areas such as wastewater treatment and other 'big blocks' holding up construction, he added. 'I remain to be convinced that tax is the most effective tool, but there are definitely more measures we need to take on viability,' said Harris. While the Taoiseach said last week that he did not want to speculate on any potential tax breaks for property developers, stating that 'very significant priority' will be given to the housing issue in the upcoming Budget. Related Reads New rental regulations will allow landlords increase rents if previous tenant leaves voluntarily Nearly 800 council houses are lying vacant in the State for over a year, according to data Naming new housing tsar a priority for Taoiseach but DPER 'blockage' frustrating the process 'Housing remains the number one priority in all of our plans, budget, national and the development plan,' said Micheál Martin. The National Development Plan, due this summer, will be key, he said, stating that creating certainty in policy to attract private sector investment is going to be crucial. Earlier this year, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe strongly came out against the reintroduction of Celtic Tiger-style tax breaks for property developers, putting him at odds with the Taoiseach who said the government was exploring the idea of possible tax breaks for private housing developers in a bid to boost supply. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal

€5bn plan to turn Athlone into a green city unveiled
€5bn plan to turn Athlone into a green city unveiled

RTÉ News​

time22-06-2025

  • Business
  • RTÉ News​

€5bn plan to turn Athlone into a green city unveiled

A €5bn master plan has been unveiled for a new green city in Athlone as a solution to Ireland's future population growth. The blueprint by Ballymore Group aims to cater for a population of 100,000 by 2040. The details were outlined by the groups founder and chairman, Sean Mulryan, who shared his vision for a sustainable planned 15-minute city with a wide range of stakeholders including Government ministers and opposition spokespeople, and with senior figures across the Irish education sector, industry, state agencies and local authorities. The plan, which Mr Mulryan spoke about it detail in the Business Post today, was later confirmed by his company. The plan proposes the expansion of the TUS university campus in Athlone to facilitate 25,000 students. The plan also proposes the construction of a 5,000 bed eco-friendly student village. Mr Mulryan's plan includes 20,000 zero-carbon homes as well as new health, educational, arts and sporting facilities to facilitate the population growth it estimates will reach 100,000 people. The plan also proposes that 5,000 hectares of surrounding land is allocated for rewilded wetlands, callows and rewetting of bogs. Mr Mulryan said the plan, which is seven years in the making, has been discussed with government ministers, opposition spokespeople and senior stakeholders in the education and industry sectors, as well as state agencies and local authorities. In a statement today, the company said that the plan for Athlone is "one that could be replicated to provide regionally balanced growth while enabling Ireland's green transition". he company said: "Athlone was identified as the ideal pilot as it has all the fundamental building blocks in place including the university, a town centre with room to expand and enable green transport and the natural resources to allow 90% of its energy to be generated from renewal sources and to support the national energy transition. "It's central location in the heart of Ireland and bridging the North-West and Midlands regions also ensure a wide economic benefit." Mr Mulryan said his company will do all it can to make the plan become a reality however "it needs to be driven from the top by government, by this administration and by the successor governments that take office in the years ahead, if it is to come to pass." Mr Mulryan has assembled a steering group to bring this new green city to life. The company wants to see the adoption of the National Planning Framework to allow for the delivery of educational, residential, commercial and biodiverse infrastructure. Athlone and the surrounding areas must also be declared as nationally important strategic, enterprise and biodiversity zones, it said. Ballymore hopes to secure private and public investment for the plan which it said is "a credible blueprint for addressing Ireland's demographic and environmental challenges, decarbonising and stimulating the economy, restoring natural habitats and rebalancing development away from the east coast"

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