Feb 2004

Martin Farren calls for development construction scheme waiver for first time buyers

Fine Gael local election candidate Martin Farren is adamant that first time buyers should be exempt from the development contribution scheme, which is to be introduced on the 10th March 2004.

Mr Farren suggests, as the first time buyers grant is no longer available, all councillors, regardless of their political persuasion, should protect young families and encourage them to build their own homes. This is a critical time for all local representatives, as the decisions they take now will have very serious consequences for those entering the housing market. He also added that waiving the new levy would benefit Donegal County Council in the long run by reducing the expanding waiting list for houses. To deprive first time buyers of this option was a grave mistake. The ability to buy a home was, he said, of fundamental importance to young couples as it provided a cornerstone for stable family life.

"I have had many young couples, who are very fearful for their future, approach me, as they have had their hopes of buying a home together put out of reach by the development contribution scheme. I have been making representations to Fine Gael County Councillors that they should plead this case at county level."

Martin Farren said it was critical that Donegal County Council provide a measure of protection for first time buyers as they were the guardians of future generations and it was in the interest of society as a whole to give the next generation a stable upbringing and one of the ways to help facilitate this is to ensure that young couples have the ability to buy their own homes.

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