Residential Zoned Land Tax
Budget 2024 also announced that the Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) will be deferred for 1 year to enable further engagement with the zoning process. The RZLT will now come into effect on the 1st of February 2025 rather than February 2024 as previously announced. The RZLT will be charged annually on land that is zoned for residential use and has access to necessary services such as water supply, roads, and lighting on properties not subject to Local Property Tax. The RZLT is charged at 3% of the market value of the land.
The extension is welcome as many landowners continue through the appeal process on which land is included, and several JR’s proceed through the court system. Land that is subject to RZLT is decided by the relevant Local Authority.
The Final RZLT maps were originally expected to be published by the 1st of December 2023. Currently An Bord Pleanála has decided approximately 72% of landowners’ appeals of the tax. Decisions have varied by Local Area, but so far, the Board has upheld about 75% of the Local Authorities’ decisions.
Update on the Planning and Development Bill 2023
The Planning and Development Bill 2023 was approved by the Cabinet on the 3rd of October. The Bill is intended to streamline the planning and approval process by increasing clarity and consistency of planning decisions and result in faster planning decisions. The text of the Cabinet-approved Bill is expected to be published soon and will go to the Houses of the Oireachtas for approval.
Live consultations
Draft Sligo County Development Plan 2024-2030
Submissions and observations on the plan can be made up until 4 PM on the 22nd of December via the Council’s consultation portal, linked below. In addition, public information sessions will be held in November, with dates for these soon to be announced. Submissions can be made from the 13th of October until 4PM on the 22nd December 2023.
Policy highlights include: a new Core Strategy based on the 2022 Census figures, updated and enhanced climate action policies, a new spatial development strategy to focus growth on the Sligo Regional Growth Centre, the creation of 19 Village plans and a new Draft Local Transport Strategy.
Draft Athenry Local Area Plan 2023 – 2029 – Proposed Material Alterations
The Proposed Material Alterations to the Draft Athenry Local Area Plan 2023-2029 have been published regarding the existing draft and the Chief Executive’s Report.
You can make a written submission on the Proposed Material Alterations of the Draft Athenry Local Area Plan by 4 PM on Friday 3 November. Email and hard copy submissions should be clearly labelled as: Proposed Material Alterations to the Draft Athenry LAP 2023 – 2029
- Online
- Email: forwardplanning@galwaycoco.ie
- By post: Forward Planning Section, Galway County Council, Prospect Hill, Galway
Mullingar Local Area Plan – Pre-Draft Consultation
Westmeath County Council is working to prepare a draft Local Area Plan for Mullingar. They have released a pre-draft Issues Paper which overviews the main factors affecting the town. Feedback on the Issues Paper or content to be included in the Local Area Plan in preparation for the Draft can be submitted until 5PM on the 23rd November 2023. Observations can be made:
- Online
- By post: Planning Department, Westmeath County Council, Civic Offices, Mount Street, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, N91 FH4N
Carrick-on-Shannon Local Area Plan – Pre-Draft Consultation
Leitrim and Roscommon County Councils are preparing to jointly prepare a Local Area Plan for Carrick-on-Shannon (2024-2030) which will include Cortober. The Plan is currently in the pre-draft stage and has published an Issues Paper to provide an overview of the current situation in the area as well as opportunities and challenges. Submissions can be made on the contents of the Issues presented or other areas of interest which stakeholders find to be relevant to the development of the Local Area Plan.
Submissions should be submitted by the 1st of December 2023.
Climate Action Plan Consultations
The following counties have prepared Climate Actions Plans for their administrative areas and are accepting submissions and observations on the draft plans. Submissions may be made in respect of the Plan and associated Environmental Reports. The consult page with details on the draft plan and details on how to make a submission can be accessed via the below links.