Fianna Fáil meet to discuss Concrete Levy

The Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary, Jackie Cahill, met with the Fianna Fáil Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien to discuss the Concrete Levy, as proposed under Budget 2023.

This meeting is being organised by the Dublin South West Fianna Fáil TD, John Lahart. Deputy Cahill intends to use this opportunity to impress upon Minister O’Brien the importance of postponing this levy until such a time as construction prices relax.

Deputy Cahill said: “I fully support the concept of the Concrete Levy. Unlike many in the opposition, we in Fianna Fáil are not calling for the populist line of promising all things to all people, whether it’s those currently building houses, or those who are seeking compensation for defective builds.

“Since the Budget was announced, and in my initial reaction to it, I stated my unease with the imposition of this levy as planned early next year. I believe it must be postponed until such a time as construction prices are more reasonable. We cannot drive inflation further at the moment.

“In the last six to eight months, the price of a load of concrete has gone up by over 50%, according to many in the industry. It is anticipated that the 10% levy would add upwards of €120 to each load of concrete. This levy has the potential to drive building prices even higher at a time when we need to be doing the opposite, so as to provide affordable housing and farm building in particular.

“I fully accept that the costs to the State of the mica and pyrite compensation schemes will have to be recouped, but I believe the best course of action is to hold off on doing this until prices have been brought back under control.

“I have already made these points to the Minister, I have stated them on the record in the Dáil, and I will be reiterating them, along with many of my Fianna Fáil colleagues, during today’s meeting with Minister Darragh O’Brien," Cahill concluded.