"We support a Site Value Tax for many reasons," said Emer O'Siochru, speaking on behalf of the Environmental Pillar.

"It will promote much-needed development without contributing to urban sprawl or the loss of valuable agricultural land. It will also encourage good environmental outcomes.

"A Site Value Tax promotes efficient use of land and discourages land speculation or the hoarding of idle sites. This tax would encourage the infill of derelict or underused land in urban areas," said Ms O'Siochru.

"This will open up more housing options for people who want to live closer to jobs and core community services. It also means that local authorities can provide more efficient and cost-effective services such as public transport and water supply."

Unlike a conventional property tax, a Site Value Tax will not penalise homeowners who improve or retro-fit their homes with energy-efficient features such as triple-glazed windows or solar panels.

Charles Stanley-Smith, also speaking on behalf of the Environmental Pillar, said: "The National Economic and Social Council has just released a report which identified retrofitting to get energy savings in buildings as the key opportunity in meeting our 2020 climate change targets.

"A Site Value Tax supports this strategy. A property tax based on market value works against it."

The Environmental Pillar has published a policy on the Site Value Tax, describing the social, economic and environmental benefits that would be delivered by its implementation. It is available on their website: www.environmentalpillar.ie

* The Environmental Pillar was included as the fifth pillar of Ireland's Social Partnership in April 2009, and is made up of 26 national environmental NGOs, acting together as one social partner.

The Environmental Pillar is working through Social Dialogue with the other social partners and government at the national and local levels to:—promote the protection and enhancement of the environment, together with;—the creation of a viable economy and a just society; without compromising the viability of the planet on which we live for current and future generations of all species and ecosystems. Our basic premise is that the continuing success of human society and social systems depends fundamentally on the preservation of the overall productivity, health, and long term sustainability of the ecosystems and environmental services that underpin and supply many of the most basic components of human welfare such as a healthy biodiversity, productive soils, clean water, and clean air.

Member Organisations of the Environmental Pillar: An Taisce, Bat Conservation Ireland, BirdWatch Ireland, CELT (Centre for Environmental Living and Training), CoastWatch, Coomhola Salmon Trust, Crann, ECO-UNESCO, FEASTA, Forest Friends, Friends of the Earth, Global Action Plan (GAP Ireland), Gluaiseacht, Irish Doctors' Environmental Association (IDEA), Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT), , Hedge Laying Association of Ireland, Irish Natural Forestry Foundation (INFF), Irish Peatland Conservation Council, Irish Seal Sanctuary, Irish Seed Savers Association, Irish Whale & Dolphin Group, Sonairte, Sustainable Ireland Cooperative (Cultivate), The Organic Centre, VOICE, Zero Waste Alliance.