Guide · Verified 2026-07-17
Development Contribution Rates in Ireland (2026)
When an Irish planning authority grants permission, it attaches a Section 48 development contribution — a levy that part-funds the public infrastructure (roads, drainage, parks, community facilities) serving new development. Every council sets its own rates in a published Development Contribution Scheme, and the structures vary widely: some charge flat rates per square metre, others per residential unit, others band by size, location or services.
The table below quotes the current published rates for twelve planning authorities, each verified directly against the council's own scheme document. Supplementary Section 49 levies (for specific infrastructure like Luas or rail lines) are noted where they exist.
Dublin City Council
Official schemeSection 48 Development Contribution Scheme 2023–2026
Section 49: Dublin City S49 supplementary schemes (Luas Cross City; Luas Docklands) impose additional charges (c. €2,000 per residential unit; €38–€43 per sqm commercial/retail) within their defined chargeable areas.
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council
Official schemeDevelopment Contribution Scheme 2023–2028 (rates effective from 01/11/2023)
Higher area-specific rates apply in the Sandyford UFP area (residential €20,565.44/unit; office €217.44/sqm), the Cherrywood Planning Scheme area (residential €32,138.55/unit; office €250.30/sqm) and Old Connaught (additional €18,553.52/unit) — 2026 rates.
Section 49: S49 supplementary schemes apply in the Glenamuck Distributor Road area (€35,107.12 per residential unit; €175.87/sqm commercial, from 10/12/2025) and the Luas B1 corridor (per-hectare charges).
Fingal County Council
Official schemeDevelopment Contribution Scheme 2026–2030
South Dublin County Council
Official schemeDevelopment Contribution Scheme 2021–2025 (rates as published July 2026)
Cork City Council
Official schemeDevelopment Contribution Scheme 2023–2029
Section 49: An S49 supplementary charge applies within defined proximity of certain suburban rail lines/stations — confirm whether the site falls inside a chargeable area.
Cork County Council
Official schemeDevelopment Contribution Schemes (CASP and North & West Cork Strategic Plan areas)
Galway City Council
Official schemeDevelopment Contribution Scheme 2020–2026
Galway County Council
Official schemeDevelopment Contribution Scheme 2016 (current published scheme)
Kildare County Council
Official schemeDevelopment Contribution Scheme 2023–2029
33% reduction for town/village centre and regeneration lands; 75% reduction for protected-structure refurbishment.
Meath County Council
Official schemeDevelopment Contribution Scheme 2024–2029
Section 49: An S49 supplementary scheme applies within the Navan–Dublin railway corridor area (per-hectare charges).
Wicklow County Council
Official schemeDevelopment Contribution Scheme 2021
Section 49: The Wicklow Port Access & Town Relief Road scheme imposes additional contributions (€6,966.22 per residential unit; €49.40 per sqm industrial/commercial) within its defined area (rates extended September 2025).
Waterford City and County Council
Official schemeDevelopment Contribution Scheme 2023–2029 (effective 09/02/2023)
What would a specific site owe — and would it get permission at all?
Our Planning Feasibility & Risk Report applies the correct contribution scheme to your site and covers what matters more: nearby grants and refusals, zoning, flood risk, protected structures and subsoil. Print-ready PDF within 24 hours — €149, and you only pay after you receive it.
Order a site reportFrequently asked questions
What are Section 48 development contributions?
A levy each planning authority may attach as a condition of planning permission under Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), funding public infrastructure that benefits development in its area.
When are they paid?
Once permission is implemented — normally at commencement of development, on the terms of the condition. Nothing is paid at application stage.
Are there exemptions or reductions?
Most schemes exempt or reduce contributions for social housing, small domestic extensions (commonly the first 40 sq m), works to protected structures, voluntary and community facilities, and town-centre or regeneration sites — but the detail differs council by council.
Rates quoted from each planning authority's published Development Contribution Scheme, verified 2026-07-17. Rates are subject to annual indexation, exemptions, reductions and area-specific supplementary schemes; final liability is determined by the planning authority when granting permission. This guide is for information purposes and is not legal or planning advice.