A circular to local authorities clarifying that the Vacant Site levy “wasn’t and isn’t aimed at family farms”, is being prepared by Minister John Paul Phelan’s Department.

Laois, Waterford, Carlow and Kilkenny local authorities have decided land being actively farmed but in an area zoned for development is “vacant and idle” and liable for the punitive levy.

Speaking on Kilkenny/Carlow Local Radio (KCLR) last Friday, the Minister confirmed there were “a few examples of family farms that are in the environs of Kilkenny city being labelled as vacant sites”.

“This was never the intention of the legislation, the intention was to avoid developers hoarding land and to ensure the redevelopment of brownfield sites in proximity to towns and cities.

“It is offensive, if nothing else, if you’re farming and your land is being labelled as vacant and empty,” John Paul Phelan continued.

“People don’t and shouldn’t see their farms in that regard.”