Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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Development contributions are levied by local authorities on the basis of a development contribution scheme that is adopted by the elected members of the relevant local authority. The level of contribution and the types of development to which development contributions will apply, including any waivers or reductions from charging in specific circumstances, are therefore determined at local authority level and in accordance with the powers vested in elected members in this regard.

My role as Minister is to provide the necessary statutory and policy framework within which individual development contribution schemes are adopted by each local authority. Existing guidance to local authorities in this regard, originally outlined in Circular PD5-2007 of 9 May 2007, recommends that local authorities provide for a reduced, or waived, fee in respect of development qualifying for a disabled persons grant. The guidance further encourages local authorities to apply exemptions in respect of voluntary housing schemes and other community infrastructural projects delivered via voluntary or not-for-profit non-statutory groups, which may include the development of housing and other facilities for disabled persons. These recommendations are being applied by authorities in their development contribution schemes through a range of exemptions and reduced fees.

In light of the above, I do not propose to issue any further guidelines on this matter.