SF criticizes Govt for “fake” row over land tax “sop”

Sinn Féin has accused Government parties of playing politics with the residential zoned land tax, claiming that deferring the measure for another year is a favor to developers and wealthy landowners. The tax, aimed at tackling land hoarding, has been postponed due to concerns raised by Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Finance Jack Chambers about its impact on active farmers.

The Green Party has demanded that the tax be implemented in the Budget, with Minister of State Ossian Smyth expressing disbelief at the delay. Sinn Féin criticized the move, highlighting previous deferrals and urging the government to address concerns without postponing the tax.

The residential zoned land tax has been in the works for years as a way to combat land hoarding during the housing crisis. Minister Chambers is working on proposals to defer the tax for another year, specifically excluding active farmers. Harris emphasized that the tax was never meant to penalize farmers, but rather target those who hoard land for profit.