Development levies charged by local authorities are up to five times as high in Dublin as in rural areas such as Cavan and Leitrim, a new study has shown.
The Chambers of Commerce of Ireland (CCI) survey, published today, found significant differences between the State's 34 local authorities in both the level and type of charges applied.
Limerick County Council, which has the highest levy of €116.55 per square metre, charges a flat rate based on the size of development, whereas Dublin City Council, which has the second highest levy of €110 per square metre, has three separate charges for roads, water and wastewater and community facilities.
Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown, Fingal and Limerick City Council had the next most expensive levies, each charging €100 per square metre.
Donegal County Council had the lowest charge of €6.98 per square metre. Kerry came next at €12.50, while eight other local authorities - Cavan, Leitrim, Waterford City and County, Clare, Galway County, Longford and Offaly - had rates of €30 per square metre or less.
Mr John Dunne, chief executive of the CCI, said the report highlighted the need for greater transparency and more consultation over the manner in which development levies are applied.
He said CCI was not opposed in principle to the charges, but the process for calculating them was not as transparent as the Minister for the Environment, Mr Cullen, had indicated it would be when revamping the scheme earlier this year. The Department did not prescribe a specific method for calculation of contributions under the general development contribution, and different counties had different categories of development.
