Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022
286. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress on the proposed legislation to introduce urban development zones; if he has consulted with local authorities on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7299/22]
View answerAs outlined in HPO 12.2 of Housing for All, proposals for Urban Development Zones (UDZs) are being progressed. It is proposed that UDZs will provide for a coordinated, plan-led approach to the development of areas with significant potential for residential and urban growth. It is also proposed that ‘Land Value Sharing’ obligations will apply within these areas, in order to ensure that the State can benefit from the uplift in land values which result from designation. By securing a proportion of this uplift in value to contribute towards the provision of the key infrastructure required to support development, communities will benefit.
The General Scheme for a Heads of Bill was approved by Government in December 2021 outlining the general provisions for the establishment of Urban Development Zones, including Land Value Sharing obligations. Work is now progressing on detailed aspects of how this legislation may be implemented. A detailed economic appraisal of the proposed measures, involving an assessment of the potential implications in different locations and circumstances, is being undertaken to determine the extent of uplift in value it would be reasonable for the State to secure. It is also proposed to seek further expert advice on property valuation and land acquisition. This research and expert advice will provide the basis for the detail of these measures. In parallel, work will commence on preparing a national register of zoned land.
A key aspect of this work will include stakeholder engagement, including with representatives of Local Authorities, through a working group to ensure a workable set of measures is progressed. Proposals for engagement are currently being finalised in parallel with the economic appraisal. Following the commencement of detailed drafting of the Bill in Q3 2022, it is anticipated that the Bill will be introduced to the Oireachtas with a view to enactment in Q4 2022.
