Development levy funds must be spent in the relevant locality – Seery Kearney

Funding from levies paid by developers to local councils should be spent in the area where the construction has been carried out to go towards the development of amenities and other community facilities, according to Fine Gael Senator Mary Seery Kearney.

Senator Seery Kearney, a member of the Oireachtas Housing Committee, said: “Development levies is one of a number of funding streams that councils use for infrastructure projects , as well as using funding such as grants from the Government.

“A media report has suggested that despite a large percentage of the levies being collected from a vast number of developments in my home constituency of Dublin South Central and Drimnagh, Dublin 12, very little of that funding is being spent in that locality.

“These areas have a high population density with very little to no amenities. The monies that are paid to Dublin City Council are being reportedly allocated to providing facilities like a tea-room in Merrion Square, when there are children with no play area or safe sports facilities in whole Dublin postal districts.

“Whatever the criteria Dublin City Council attach to the allocation of their development levies, is it not based on citizen need.

“I have requested that Ministers Darragh O’Brien and Kieran O’Donnell meet residents in Drimnagh, in particular the Dynamic Drimnagh group, who have been advocating for the recognition of the needs of the residents of Drimnagh and the surrounding areas.

“A prime example of unappreciated need is the St. John Bosco Youth Centre locally known as “the Bosco” that receive minimal funding from DCC and yet do incredible work with youth in the community and their families.  There are other groups such as Our Lady’s Hall, the Boxing Club and Good Counsel GAA that are all self-funded.

“Where there is open space there are no facilities for changing, children in wheelchairs can’t access toilet facilities, yet DCC are planning to put a tea room in Merrion Square?

“Local communities deserve better from Dublin City Council, which plan projects in other parts of the city at the expense of children in areas that have long been neglected for investment by the council,” Senator Seery Kearney concluded.