The news that Kerry County Council are planning to levy development charges on new farm buildings like slatted sheds is unwelcome and will add to the already massive overheads that farmers are facing. It will stall development too as some farmers will simply not be able to afford to pay these charges.
The cost of the construction of sheds and other farm buildings has escalated in recent years and to add a development charge to that cost would be very unfair. It would restrict necessary developments, some of which are needed to comply with health and safety and some quality assurance schemes. This charge would also put jobs in the sector at risk as farmers’ margins are being squeezed to the limit as it is. I would hope that Kerry County Council drop this proposal and that no other council introduce it either.
