SF tabling motion to scrap concrete block levy

Sinn Féin is to table a motion reversing the planned concrete block levy, with a local TD calling for others to support.

Introduced as a measure in last week's Budget, the levy would see 10% added to the price of each concrete block to cover mica and pyrite damaged homes.

The levy is designed to pay towards the cost of the national redress scheme for people whose homes were built using defective products. It is scheduled to come into effect on April 3, 2023.

TD for Cavan-Monaghan Pauline Tully has urged all TDs to back Sinn Féin's upcoming motion in the Dáil to scrap the government’s concrete block levy plans.

“Sinn Féin will bring forward a motion in the Dáil to scrap the government’s concrete block levy plans which are flawed and risk making the housing crisis in Cavan, Monaghan and north Meath even worse.

“The scheme is badly designed and will mean that people living in homes with defects as well as first time buyers will see their house prices soar. The Society of Chartered Surveyors have warned that this scheme could see an eye-watering €4,000 added to the price of a house."

In a statement, she said it is "totally unacceptable" that homeowners and buyers should have to foot the bill.