Appeal for tax relief initiative to be extended to regenerate Mayo towns
A Mayo Oireachtas member wants a new government tax instrument to stimulate regeneration and redevelopment in cities across Ireland to be extended to Castlebar and Ballina.
Senator Mark Duffy said the incentive to be expanded to all towns with a population over 10,000.
He elaborated: "One size does not fit all in trying to solve the housing crisis.
"We need to have a full-court press and a whole-of-government approach to it.
"This is one such measure which can help stimulate regeneration, especially above-the-shop living and living in historic buildings and our market towns.
"We have substantial buildings that are not viable to regenerate and bring back into use. They are a scourge on the high streets of all our market towns and built-up urban areas.
"The living city initiative also presents a huge opportunity to bring life, people and families back into the heart of our towns.
"That could have a positive social impact and help in a small way to move the dial on what is the most pressing social issue of the day.
"Anyone who walks through any of our towns with a population of over 10,000 will see substantial buildings in a state of dereliction, disrepair and vacancy.
"Castlebar and Ballina are examples of that. There is a housing crisis in the towns with a population of over 10,000. Even in rural areas, there are challenges across the board.
"We need to use every measure and instrument to move the dial on the housing crisis.
"We need to reconsider this proposal and broaden it to cover towns with populations of over 10,000."
In response, Minister of State Alan Dillon said he shared the same ambition about bringing more vibrancy, sustainability and revitalisation to our urban centres to meet the housing needs of the future and support social and economic needs within our towns.
"The incentive in question is not just about a tax relief.
"It is about breathing new life back into areas that have suffered decline, while also supporting housing and strengthening communities.
"We are extending the scheme until 2030. We are reducing the building age rule from 1915 to 1975, which will dramatically increase the number of eligible properties.
"We are also introducing a new living-over-the-shop category that will have no age restriction and will unlock mixed use conversion.
"We are increasing the relief cap to €300,000 per undertaking in line with the EU state aid policy, where it allows claims for over two and up to ten years. That is giving greater flexibility to both businesses and homeowners. We are removing outdated restrictions, including the ban on property developers.
"Crucially, the Minister for Finance has committed to extending the scheme to five regional centres under the national planning framework, namely, Athlone, Drogheda, Dundalk, Letterkenny and Sligo.
"These towns have played a strategic role in balanced regional development.
"At present, there is no plan to extend beyond these towns, but there will be further debate in that regard.
"The Minister for Finance has also outlined his determination and commitment to use every lever and use tax, planning and investment to tackle vacancy and dereliction. The living city initiative is evolving to meet that challenge."