The concrete levy is a “knife in the back to homeowners” says Mica campaigner Paddy Diver.
Last week’s budget introduced a 10 per cent levy on concrete products with the intention to offset the cost of the €2.7 million Mica Grant scheme.
Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, estimated that the levy, to be introduced next April, should generate around €80m per annum.
The levy has been widely criticised by opposition. Members of government have also expressed their concerns.
The proposed levy could add an additional €4,000 to the costs of building a new home.
The Society of Chartered Surveyors estimated that the levy would add €3,000 – €4,000 to the overall cost of an average three-bed-semi.
Those who have been affected by mica will also see these additional costs added to the rebuilding of their homes.
Campaigner Paddy Diver, speaking to the Donegal News said: “It is a knife in the back to homeowners.
“At every corner we are being trampled on by the government.”
In their post budget analysis, the ESRI has also warned that the construction industry will pass on the extra costs to homeowners.
Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar, said in the Dail chamber: “It’s not fair that the taxpayer should cover all of the costs.
“We believe that the cost should fall at least in part on the industry.”
Paddy Diver believes that the government are intentionally trying to “turn the public against homeowners.”
He was frustrated by these comments, he said that it should be the quarry industry that pay, “close them and freeze their assets,” he said.
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