Simple typo could save development firm €500k

A PROPERTY development company could avoid paying almost half a million euro in development levies due to a simple typo in a planning document by Galway City Council.

It has emerged the council allowed €470,000 slip through its fingers because of a typographical error.

A hearing is due before the High Court over the case centred on a housing estate in Doughiska in Galway by Harmack Developments.

The council is pursuing the money it believes the developer owes in levies.

But the company is contesting the levies as the council mistakenly inserted the word “apartments” instead of the description “housing units” in a planning document.

It is one of many cases being taken around the country in an effort to recoup some of the €850 million owed to local authorities in outstanding development levies. The Government has already conceded at least €191m of this money was “doubtful debts” that will never be collected from developers.

But more than 200 staff are working full time in city and county councils to try to recoup the levies which they rely heavily on to provide services and facilities, such as roads and water, used by developments.

Fingal County Council, owed more than €161m, is taking 50 legal proceedings for non-payment of levies, while Dublin City Council has referred 10 cases to court to address its €147m shortfall.

Cork County Council is owed more than €60m, while the city council is owed just under €15m according to the latest figures.

Limerick County and City Councils are owed €42m between them while both local authorities in Galway are owed €22m.