Ms Claragh Mulhern:

Under RZLT, it depends on the zoning. In the first instance, if it is residentially zoned, then regardless of whether it is in use at the moment or not, the tax will apply, subject to the other criteria being satisfied; in other words, it is serviced and it does not benefit from any exemption. If it is mixed-use zoning, it is only if it is vacant or idle that it is subject to RZLT. If it is in active commercial use, then it should not be designated as being in scope because it is not vacant or idle.

This measure will apply much more broadly than RZLT. We have been focusing mainly on the residential zonings so far this afternoon. However, the idea is that if it is mixed-use and if residential is permissible within the zoning matrix and within the development plan - if it is acceptable in principle – then, in theory, this applies. Nonetheless, it only becomes payable if they want to develop the land for another purpose. At that point in time, it becomes payable.