The Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary is today meeting with the Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien to discuss the Concrete Levy, as proposed under Budget 2023.
Jackie Cahill intends to use this opportunity to impress upon Minister O’Brien the importance of postponing this levy until such a time as construction prices relax.
Speaking on this today, Deputy Cahill says: “I fully support the concept of the concrete levy. Since the Budget was announced, and in my initial reaction to it, I stated my unease with the imposition of this levy as planned early next year. I believe it must be postponed until such a time as construction prices are more reasonable.”
Over the last six to eight months, the price of a load of concrete has gone up by over 50%, according to many in the industry.
It is anticipated that the 10% levy would add upwards of €120 to each load of concrete and up to €4,000 to the price of a new house.
The Thurles based TD is concerned that the levy has the potential to drive building prices even higher at a time “when we need to be doing the opposite, so as to provide affordable housing and farm building in particular.”
The details of the concrete levy are to be revealed in the Finance Bill due for publication on October 28th.
Finance Minister Donohoe indicated that the levy would be expanded to include developers and the construction industry.
Deputy Cahill accepts that the costs to the State of the mica and pyrite compensation schemes will have to be recouped but wants to see the imposition of the levy deferred until a time of lower inflation.
