Co-ownership Boost From Irish Minister

Irish Environment Minister John Gormley is expected to publish new provisions today, to aid those with low incomes to buy homes.

The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill incorporates an incremental purchase scheme that would allow a potential buyer to purchase a portion of a property and take out a mortgage on that portion.

The rest of the property would be purchased by the local authority, who would charge the occupant rent on the remaining potion of the mortgage.


It would then be possible for the occupant to buy the remainder of their home over a gradual period of time.

The current co-ownership scheme requires a full buy-out of the council's portion.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, the Minister pledged to look at ways the pollution and litter caused by election posters could be reduced.

Mr Gormley has launched a public consultation process to open up possible remedies to the problem.

Proposals by the minister included restricting areas where poster can be placed and allowing local authorities to enforce a code of practice on the issue.

Currently, election and referendum posters are exempt from the Litter Pollution Act until seven days after polling day.

(PR)