A lobby group for rural development has called for first time buyers to be exempt from new-house levies that come into force across the State tomorrow.
Irish Rural Link suggested it was "quite ludicrous to treat those who have yet to buy their first house and those who are buying their second or third houses" on an equal footing.
The group's national co-ordinator, Mr Séamus Boland, called on the Minister for the Environment, Mr Cullen, to establish a Rural Housing Commission to investigate initiatives that impact on the development of rural Ireland, such as development levies.
The so-called "development contributions" will be levied on all new buildings, including private homes from tomorrow.
All planning authorities in the State have until tonight to agree the specific levy for their region. Those that fail to impose a charge by this evening will be unable to do so after this date.
Acknowledging that the proposals will impact on first-time buyers a number of councils have weighted the charges. In the Mayo County Council area a rebate of €1,500 will apply to first-time buyers out of a levy of €5,270.
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