North Tipp abolishes farm building planning charge
In a substantial majority vote, north Tipperary county councillors have abolished the charges which applied to farm buildings in excess of 600 square metres.
The decision will have immediate effect, leaving all farm buildings grant aided under the new Farm Waste Management Scheme exempt from County Council development charges for planning approval.
The motion before the July meeting of the council, proposed by Cllr Micheal Lowry (son of Independent TD for North Tipperary Michael Lowry), was opposed by the county manager, Terry O’Niadh.
Mr Lowry proposed: “Having consideration for the huge financial burdens being placed on farmers in order to comply with the various EU Directives and Regulations, both current and future, North Tipperary County Council abolishes the development charges imposed on farm buildings where no intensification of farming activity occurs.”
During discussion, some members referred to the exodus of farmers from the land in the region, and the necessity to provide whatever support was possible.
It was pointed out that development charges were affecting more and more land owners trying to comply with EU Directives.
The decision — which follows on similar decisions taken by some other local authorities — has been welcomed by IFA in north Tipperary.
North Tipperary IFA chairman Mattie Butler said the charges in north Tipperary had been among the highest in the country and IFA had made a detailed submission, seeking the lifting of the charges.
According to a survey by Chambers Ireland published in September 2005, development contribution schemes differed considerably across local authority areas, with charges for a 200 square metre development ranging from €23,400 by Dublin City Council to only €1,300 by Galway City Council.
