More money 'needs to be spent' on amenities in Kildare
More money collected by Kildare County Council from developers ‘could be used’
Half of the development levies collected by Kildare County Council should be spent on amenities.
These levies are paid by developers for permission to build housing projects in the county.
Independent Ireland councillor Bill Clear said that at least 50% development contributions received from residential developments should be spent acquiring community infrastructure and amenities.
These include public open spaces, parks, playgrounds, sports pitches, greenways and community facilities.
He said this would ensure that this would keep pace with “residential growth and the needs of local communities.”
According to KCC official Alan Dunney the existing scheme, which is due to run until 2029, distributes development contributions by 60% for transport, surface water and flood relief and 40% for open space, recreation, environment, public realm, community facilities and economic development.
Mr Dunney also told a KCC meeting that while new legislation is being phased in the section relating to development contributions “has not been commenced and is therefore not yet in force.”
He said this means that the way levies are allocated cannot, for now, be altered.