Section 49 Development Contributions

When a developer builds new property, for example houses, apartments, offices or warehouses, the council charges a fee per square metre through the Section 48 Development Contributions Scheme. Section 49 sets out extra fees for any development near the Luas Docklands and City lines. 

The money collected through these schemes is used to fund public infrastructure like roads, water services, parks, schools and community facilities.

Luas Cross City Developments

The Luas Cross City Supplementary Development Contribution applies to developments close to the St. Stephen’s Green to Broombridge Luas line. The exact area is outlined in the scheme map below.

This fee was introduced for all planning applications submitted from 4 April 2017 under Section 49 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The scheme applies until 2047 and the rates are reviewed every two years. 

Luas Docklands Developments 

A supplementary contribution is charged to developments near the Luas Docklands. This levy was created to help recover the €87 million cost of the extension of the Luas Red Line from Busáras to The Point.

The levy applies to new builds or redevelopments within roughly 800m of the Luas line. This is a walkable catchment area and represents the benefit the Luas extension provides to developments in this area.

The total area of land zoned for development is 404 hectares. 98 hectares is undeveloped, while 306 hectares is existing development. The scheme applies to new builds or redevelopments, not existing developments, and is in addition to normal Section 48 development contributions. The relevant area is outlined in the scheme map below.

This fee was introduced from 2 September 2013 under Section 49 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The scheme applies until 2038.