AS THE city becomes set to lose another retail store and with it more jobs, minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O’Sullivan together with Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan recently launched new Development Contribution Guidelines. Minister O’Sullivan stated, “These development guidelines are closely aligned with the Government’s plan-led vision for future development. Development contribution schemes must promote sustainable, balanced development and these guidelines make this goal clear.
“The guidelines also prioritise job creation and economic investment. Key features of the new guidance include a requirement for planning authorities to establish reduced rates of contribution for projects such as:
According to Minister Hogan, “These new guidelines are pro-planning and pro-jobs. I am confident that they will enable local authorities achieve the right balance between funding infrastructure linked to new development and creating the conditions for sustainable development activity.
“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.
“Through their planning and economic development functions local authorities are making a significant contribution to Ireland’s economic recovery by helping to improve the environment in which businesses thrive and expand.
“Enhancing this important role of local authorities is a key aspect of ‘Putting People First’, the Government’s plan for local government reform. Providing new guidance on development contributions is just one of a number of ways in which the Government will continue to promote the economic potential of local authorities.
“The guidelines also build on innovations that local authorities have introduced in recent years. For example provision is made for the phased payment of contributions in certain circumstances and for lower rates in areas prioritised for development in a local authority’s core strategy.”
“These guidelines will contribute to good planning, job creation and sustainable development,” concluded the Minister.
Jan O’Sullivan Minister for Housing and Planning, pictured outside HMV Cruises Street talking with HMV manager Brian Fitzgerald during the staff sit-in.
Meantime, Pamela Scott and B&Q have been placed in examinership amid trading difficulties.
