The Chambers of Commerce of Ireland has claimed that local authorities are imposing development levies in an 'ad hoc and confusing way' across the country.
It has published research showing that local authorities are using different figures to update their charges, while the timing of changes in charges also varies. Some authorities update annually, some quarterly.
Chief executive John Dunne said the study showed a 'worrying lack of transparency and uniformity in calculation', and called on the Department of the Environment, Heritage & Local Government to be more prescriptive in the scheme's application. At the moment, the department does not set down any specific method for calculating charges.
The CCI says Dublin City Council charges most for development levies - €23,400 for a 200 square metre development - while Galway City Council has the lowest charge of €1,300.
