New Development Contribution Guidelines have today been launched that “will enable local authorities achieve the right balance between funding infrastructure linked to new development and creating the conditions for sustainable development activity”, according to the Minister for Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, TD.
The Minister added: “Development contribution schemes were first introduced in 2000 and, together with exchequer funding and local authorities own resources, they have played a significant role in the delivery of infrastructure that has supported development. These new guidelines build on the experience gained in recent years and also align development contribution policy with the Government’s prioritisation of employment creation, investment and sustainable development.”
Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O’Sullivan TD stated that development contribution schemes must promote sustainable, balanced development and these guidelines make this goal clear. She also highlighted some key features of the new guidance including a requirement for planning authorities to establish reduced rates of contribution for projects such as: developments in town centres; IDA/Enterprise Ireland projects; broadband and sustainable energy infrastructure; and change of use permissions which do not require upgraded infrastructure.