CORK County Council is to write to the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage James Browne (FF) to extend the waiver scheme for one-off housing and self-build housing.

Cllr Neilius Cotter (FF), who raised a motion at a recent meeting of the local authority, pointed out that the Development Contribution Waiver Scheme only applies to one-off housing and self-build housing which started before December 31st 2024.

Cllr Cotter said he has had a few constituents contact him who had wanted to apply for the waiver in the last few months but then found out it hasn’t been extended.

‘I’m not asking for a waiver scheme for developers of big blocks or residential developments, it’s for one-off and self-built housing.

It is significant in that it makes it more affordable for young couples in their 20s and 30s,’ said Cllr Cotter.

His colleague, Cllr Frank O’Flynn said the scheme was a tremendous success and he knows of numerous families who wouldn’t have been able to build their houses without the waiver being there.

He also asked that extending the Uisce Éireann refund also be included in the letter to the minister and to stress that they are only looking for this for a person if it’s their first house, if it’s going to be their primary residence and that they are going to give a commitment that they’re going to live in rural Ireland.

Cllr Alan Coleman (Ind) pointed out that the last time they had a waiver it contributed to a growth in houses and said it sends out the wrong message when a young couple can’t get a waiver but a big developer can.

Cllr Joe Carroll (FF) said he did previously call for the waiver to be extended which he said was a great incentive.

Cllr Gobnait Moynihan (FF) said the scheme did urge or push people on to build when they had the waiver for Irish Water and the development charges.

‘The average was coming out at €12,500, with that you’re talking about a kitchen and you’re talking about a washing machine or freezer. You can do a lot with that amount of money.’