Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I take on board what Members are saying. The fact is, however, that the adoption of a development contribution scheme is a function of local authorities, although they must have regard to the statutory guidelines provided by the Department. We have local democracy in certain instances and we must ensure that we protect it. At the same time, there is a common national interest with regard to the residents concerned. I take that very seriously. Deputy Barry Cowen referred to a planning regulator. As he knows, I took a proposal for a planning regulator to the joint committee for discussion recently and will bring forward an implementation proposal with regard to the recommendation in the Mahon report.

It is a function of individual local authorities to adopt their own development contribution schemes. If the information I get back shows that there is a disparity or issues that need to be addressed, I will certainly take action. I appreciate that our role as public representatives is to ensure that we protect the public. The reason for the development contributions is to ensure that at the planning permission stage a developer makes contributions to provide for infrastructure. I agree that the intention is not that individual householders pay. The developer concerned should pay.

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