The main points of the Government's Strategy Action on Housing, which was informed by the Bacon Report, are:
The use of Strategic Development Zones (SDZs) to fast-track housing development through the planning process.
A new tax or levy of £3,000 per unit per year on developers who do not lodge a planning application within 12 weeks of designation of their site as an SDZ. The tax becomes active again if commencement works have not begun after 26 weeks.
Introduction of an anti-speculative property tax, an annual tax of 2 per cent on the declared value of all residential investment properties acquired on or after June 15th, 2000. The tax is to be introduced for a three-year period. Exemptions will be made for landlords who comply with standards to be set by a proposed new regime.
More than £800 million to be spent on additional measures to increase the supply of social and affordable housing over the lifetime of the National Development Plan.
The removal of constraints on roads, public transport, water and waste water.
Establishment of SDZ project offices to drive infrastructural development including the recruitment of additional planning staff and the use of overseas consultants.
Revision of stamp duties to 9 per cent for investors. Nil for first-time buyers up to a threshold of £150,000.
An exemption from planning permission for domestic extensions below 40 sq m in major urban areas. The current level is 23 sq m. The move is designed to free up planning staff in local authorities.
A cross-departmental team on housing to be established, reporting to the Taoiseach as chairman of the cabinet subcommittee on infrastructure.
Increase in residential densities along public transport routes in major urban areas.