€25m in private developers fees owed to county council
By Maurice Garvey
Approximately €25 million in private developer fees is owed to South Dublin County Council for development levies.
The development levies are financial charges levied in respect of conditions attached to the grant of planning permission towards public infrastructure facilities.
An aerial shot of Tallaght
The figure was revealed through a question to the July council meeting submitted by Cllr Madeleine Johansson (PBP) asking the council for a report on outstanding development fees at this week’s council meeting.
In response to Cllr Johansson, the council said there is currently €25m outstanding in respect of invoiced development levies. Cllr Johansson blasted the “outrageous amount of money” owed to the council from private developers.
“€25 million could go a long way towards providing community facilities and infrastructure,” she said.
“There needs to be a strong enforcement regime to ensure that these levies are paid in full before any homes or commercial facilities are brought into use.
“The council has proposed an altered development contribution scheme which will now go out to public consultation. I’m urging the public to make submissions in relation to the outstanding fees. I will make a submission calling for stronger enforcement for uncollected levies.”
The council said the levies become due on receipt of a statutory commencment notice submitted by the developer or owner of the planning permission.
“It is not proposed to provide a breakdown of the outstanding amounts per development as this information relates to the financial matters of individuals and is subject to the provisions of data protection regulation,” the council said.
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