Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
270. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount collected in the vacant sites levy each year from 2019 to 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20295/24]
View answerUnder the vacant site levy provisions contained in the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 (the Act), planning authorities were empowered to apply a vacant site levy of 3% of the market valuation of relevant properties which were listed on local authority vacant site registers in 2018, which relevant owners were liable to pay in January 2019. The rate of the levy increased to 7% for sites listed on local authority vacant sites registers from 2019 onwards, which site owners became liable to pay in January of the following year.My Department has compiled data from local authority returns on the implementation and collection of the levy in respect of the years 2018 to 2022. This information is provided in the attached Table. My Department will shortly issue a request to local authorities for the submission of a further progress report on the implementation and collection of the levy in respect of the year 2023.It should be noted that under section 19 of the Act, unpaid levies due remain a charge on the land in question until they are paid. My Department will continue to engage with local authorities to ensure that all vacant site levies due are paid.
