By Suzanne Pender 

A WAIVER of housing development levies to “expedite building” is now in place.  At the May meeting of Carlow County Council, cllr Michael Doran asked about this proposal from government, which will see a waiver on development contributions to the local authority and on Uisce Éireann (Irish Water) charges.

Acting chief executive Michael Rainey confirmed that the department had introduced a “time-limit waiver” on development levies to “expedite building” to include a starting date of between 25 April 2023 and 24 April 2024, with the work to be completed by 31 December 2025.

Acting director of services Kieran Cullinane added that the critical date was the starting date, not when planning permission was granted. He added that the department will reimburse the council for costs in relation to the development levies so the local authority “will not be out of pocket”.