Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 456: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether he should recoup a share of the value that is added to urban and rural land which is zoned for development and ensure that this value is returned to the community; and his further views on whether he should ring-fence such revenues for the development of sustainable settlements. [40779/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Green Paper on Local Government, Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change, published in April 2008, notes that there are already a range of mechanisms in place under the Planning and Development Act 2000 to secure a planning gain for local authorities and communities from decisions taken by planning authorities, including section 48/49 development levy contribution schemes and the provision of land, sites, houses (or payment in lieu) at below market value for social and affordable housing. The Strategic Infrastructure Act 2006 also provides that conditions regarding community facilities can be attached to consent for strategic infrastructure under the Act.

In accordance with the Programme for Government, a new Commission on Taxation was established on 14 February 2008. Among its tasks, the Commission is to consider and make recommendations on options for the future financing of local government. In this context, the Green Paper suggested that consideration could be given to extending the aforementioned betterment concepts as a funding option for local government.

The matter is currently under consideration by the Commission on Taxation, which is due to report by the end of September 2009.