Carrickmacross rejects Development Levies

At the March monthly meeting of Carrickmacross Town Council, the members rejected the proposed development contribution scheme on the proposal of Sinn Féin Councillor Matt Carthy, following on decisions by other local authorities in County Monaghan.

Carthy said he was delighted the council had voted to reject "these unf air charges".

"Let us be very clear about one thing; if implemented these charges would affect first time home buyers and new home builders disproportionately." He said.

"The argument made by the County Manager and others that this funding is needed to provide amenities in our town spells out the problem that is at the heart of the charges. Everybody in the town and surrounding areas will be in a position to enjoy any services of this type. Is it fair, therefore, to ask a few to pay for us all? The just answer is certainly not.

"The real problem that has led us to this situation is that central governments have continually failed to adequately fund local authorities. Those of us who pay tax are having service after service included on the list of things we pay twice for. Rather than providing tax breaks and creating tax avoidance schemes for the mega-rich, that money should be invested in local councils, who could then give communities the services they deserve.

"The Fianna Fáil government has tried to impose these charges on local communities under a threat that failure to do so may prevent funding for projects from central government. This is a bullying tactic that cannot be allowed to succeed."