New planning reforms will provide a jobs boost for construction sector – Keane

Fine Gael Dublin South West bye-election candidate, Senator Cáit Keane, has welcomed new planning reforms, saying that they will lead to more jobs for workers in the construction sector.

“Under the proposed new legislation, 10% of units in new housing schemes will be set aside for social housing,” she outlined.  “Additional measures include a levy on sites that are left vacant, which will encourage developers to complete sites which have been zoned for development.

“Developers will be liable to pay a 3% tax on the value of sites that have been left vacant,” Senator Keane continued. “This will kick-start the commencement of some now derelict sites in Dublin South West, and lead to job creation for construction workers in this area.

“I welcome these reforms. Under the new legislation, developers will be legally bound to meet their social housing targets.  The provision of decent housing is a huge issue in this area and currently, we have a shortage of supply. These measures will go some way to provide new houses, particularly for low income families and may also impact on curbing rent increases.

“The Planning Bill is part of the Government’s Construction Strategy which aims to provide affordable homes by tripling the housing output by 2020 and adding up to 60,000 jobs to the construction sector. We won’t solve this problem overnight, but we are moving in the right direction,” Senator Keane added.