Government's new housing plan delayed, says Taoiseach

Asked if publication of the housing plan could be pushed out as far as September, Micheál Martin said: 'Possibly'

Micheál Martin said he wanted to first see the National Development Plan, which will set out multi-year spending on infrastructure. File picture 

The Government's new housing plan has been delayed until the autumn, the Taoiseach has said.

It had been expected a revised Housing for All plan would be ready and published next month, however, Micheál Martin has confirmed this will now be delayed.

He said he wanted to first see the National Development Plan (NDP), which will set out multi-year spending on infrastructure and is expected to be ready in late July.

“It makes sense in terms of the NDP that we would have a financial allocation for housing in advance of the [Housing for All] plan itself,” the Taoiseach said.

Asked if publication of the housing plan could be pushed out as far as September, Mr Martin said: "Possibly”.

“We’re getting on with it,” he added.

Tourist tax 'unrealistic'

Meanwhile, Tánaiste Simon Harris has suggested it would be "unrealistic" to introduce a tourist tax in the next 12 months.

While Mr Harris said there would be "benefit" in such a tax "if done the right way", he stressed the timing of introducing the levy was critical.

He said he thought the idea of it being implemented for the next 12 months was "highly unlikely".

He cited the body of work that would have to be undertaken ahead of any change, including the establishment of a register.

"There can be a significant benefit in a tourist tax, if done in the correct way. Many, many European capital cities have it. But of course, you want to get the time right.

He added: "We want to empower the local authority. So this would ultimately be about Dublin City Council deciding. If Dublin City Council wants to have another revenue stream, and then the idea that people who visit our city would make a small contribution that would go back into the city council coffers to help them deliver some of the projects."