Mr. Terry Sheridan:

It is in a local authority's own interest to do so. The vacant site levy is all about regeneration of central urban areas. Unless they are proactive in identifying sites, the regeneration is not going to happen. The purpose is to bring these areas back to life by enabling them to unlock their potential and building better and more vibrant urban areas, which are better places in which to live and do business. It is a positive measure all around and it is in the local authority's interest to implement the levy if it wants to regenerate an urban area under its responsibility.

In regard to whether lower development contributions would be applied in association with the vacant site levy, that is the intention. It is meant to be a carrot and stick approach, whereby the incentive of lower development contributions will have regard to the fact that the sites are most likely to be central urban areas with existing infrastructure. They will not require the provision of new infrastructure at extra costs. Local authorities will be able to provide for lower development contributions once they adopt this approach in their development contribution schemes.

Deputy Dowds asked whether the levy will be extended to greenfield sites.