Property Industry Ireland (PII), the Ibec association representing the property sector, today hosted key stakeholders from across the housing sector for an event on the Housing Commission Report. The event featured insights from former Housing Commission members, including developer Michael O’Flynn, economist Dermot O’Leary of Goodbody, and the CEO of the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland, Kathryn Meghen.

The event also marked the official launch of PII’s white paper, Making an Impact in Housing – Immediate Policy Priorities for the First Days in Government, recently submitted to Government. The paper expresses significant concerns about the adverse effects of the proposed Zoned/Land Value(ZVS/LVS) sharing legislation in the new Programme for Government. 

Speaking ahead of the event, newly appointed PII Director David Howard said: “The CSO’s 2024 housing completions fell short of Government targets and remain well below demand. This crisis impacts families, workers, and students, driving emigration and hindering economic growth. PII urges immediate policy action to support construction while implementing long-term strategies to incentivise private investment and boost supply

“While the sector welcomed certain elements of the Programme For Government, our members are deeply concerned about the proposed Zoned/Land Value Sharing (ZVS/LVS) legislation. This policy is already negatively impacting transactional activity in the development land market, particularly by hindering housebuilders’ ability to acquire early-stage development sites. Landowners are increasingly reluctant to sell, as development land values decline due to the application of ZVS/LVS. We urge the Government to pause further legislative progress on ZVS/LVS until meaningful consultation with the industry takes place as a matter of urgency.

“PII remains committed to working constructively with the new Government and all stakeholders to ensure adequate housing for all.” 

Key Policy Recommendations from PII’s White Paper

• Stimulating Apartment Delivery – Introduce incentives for investors to accelerate apartment construction, potentially delivering an additional 60,000 units by 2028.
• Streamlining Planning Permissions – Extend existing permissions and legislate against refusals based on outdated settlement numbers, unlocking at least 15,000 homes over five years.
• Addressing Land Availability – Expedite zoning reforms and Local Area Plan updates to ensure sufficient land for immediate construction. Suspend progress on Zoned/Land Value Sharing legislation pending further consultation to prevent disruptions in land transactions.
• Improving Infrastructure Delivery and Supporting Viability – Enhance coordination and address high development levies and infrastructure costs (e.g., water, roads) that delay or discourage housing projects.
• Demand-Side Supports – Adjust VAT for first-time buyers and amend First Home Scheme thresholds to improve affordability and encourage supply in high-demand areas.

PPI