No development levies reduction for Clár areas

A PROPOSAL that development contributions be reduced by half in Clár areas, got the thumbs down at the January meeting of Clare County Council.

At the meeting, members of the local authority passed a development contributions scheme for the years 2011-17.
Lissycasey councillor PJ Kelly proposed that any job creation project in a Clár area would be given a 50% reduction in development levies.
However, his idea was opposed by Councillor Tommy Brennan. “We shouldn’t discommode any section of the community and this creates two different charges,” he commented.
County manager Tom Coughlan said that while he understood the sentiment behind the proposal, he was against it, saying that there were “practical issues” which militated against it.
He said that if Shannon Development were looking to develop a project in a Clár area, a situation would develop where a semi-State agency was being aided by another State agency, by way of lower charges.
“I would not be comfortable with a scheme being introduced without time being given to think it through,” he added.
Defending his proposal, Councillor Kelly said the current pattern is for an increase in employment in small-sized businesses and that such companies should be encouraged. “The thing (development contributions) at the moment is penal and there is nothing wrong with being creative.”
He said that banks are very reluctant to lend for such contributions. Ultimately, his proposal was defeated by 12 votes to 10.
Another proposal made by Councillor Martin Conway to vary proposals in relation to development contribution schemes was also rejected by councillors.