Longford election: Reynolds calls for relaxation of planning laws

A European Parliament candidate has urged the government to relax planning rules and cut financial levies on the construction of new homes to help tackle the housing crisis.

Speaking in Donegal, where he is campaigning, the National Party’s James Reynolds said urgent action was needed to reduce the cost of building a new home.

“Current and proposed government initiatives and tax incentives do not address the fundamental housing problem,” Reynolds said. “I am calling on the government to make two key changes to make home ownership more attainable and affordable. “Firstly, by reducing the financial contributions levied by the state for the construction of new houses, and secondly, by easing restrictions on rural planning.”