Cork still charging schools levy for planning

CORK County Council is continuing to charge fees and development contributions for school building applications despite planning laws allowing them to waive such charges.

The Department of Education singled out the local authority last year as one of a small number where it was having problems when it applies to build or extend schools. At a hearing of the Oireachtas Education Committee last September, a department official said the matter was being addressed in discussions with the council.

But An Bord Pleanála has just intervened in another case where the planning authority had sought to impose a development contribution of €111,199 in respect of a new primary school building planned in North Cork.