Bonds and Taking in Charge

Find out about security bonds and taking in charge rules for developers and homeowners, including rates and procedures.

Security Bonds

A security bond is a financial guarantee that a developer must give to the Council when building a project.

Planning permission is sometimes granted with conditions that certain services or infrastructure must be completed or reinstated by the developer. This can include roads, open spaces, car parking spaces, public lighting, sewers and drains.

Security Bond Rates

Development Type Contribution Amount
Residential €1,000 per unit
Commercial €100 per square metre
Hotel/student accommodation
  • €200 per bedroom/bedspace for first 100 units
  • €100 per bedroom/bedspace for 101-500 units
  • €50 per bedroom/bedspace thereafter

How Can Security Bonds Be Paid?

Security bonds can be paid by cash lodgement, cheque or bank draft, Electronic Funds Transfer or other security (for example, a bank or insurance company bond).

How Are Security Bonds Repaid?

When a development has been completed, the developers need to provide written confirmation and an architect's certificate of completion to Dublin City Council. The development will be inspected by our service divisions - Public Lighting, Drainage Services, Roads and Traffic, Parks and Landscapes. If the conditions have been met, the bond will be returned to the developer. 

If the conditions have not been met, and the developer fails to solve the problems identified, all or part of the bond may be used by the Council to complete the work.

Contact Details

Taking In Charge

Taking in Charge is the process where Dublin City Council formally takes over responsibilities for the public services in a housing estate from the developer.

The Council will take responsibility if: 

  • construction is fully completed.
  • works meet the required standards.
  • any defects are fixed.
  • the security bond is still in place (or about to be released).

The following documents provide more information on the process for developers and home owners. They also outline the standards required for the Council to take charge of a development.

Taking in Charge Procedure for Developers
Taking in Charge Procedure for Home Owners
Road Standards
Greater Dublin Regional Code of Practice for Drainage Works
Public Lighting Services’ Requirements for Public Lighting Installations
Contact Details

Conveyance

Conveyance is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one party to another. Contact us by email if you have questions about conveyance in relation to your development.

Contact Details