WEXFORD CO. COUNCIL is currently chasing down approximately €13 million in outstanding development levies, with 235 accounts currently the subject of enforcement action.

The figures, which were released to this newspaper, show that as of December 31, 2014 the total amount of outstanding levies stood at approximately €13 million, excluding levies for phases of developments not yet commenced.

The total number of accounts is in the region of 1,100 with 235 of those subject to enforcement or contract debt process. A further 331 are being paid by monthly regular payments.

Communications Officer David Minogue said that the remaining 534 cases may be under negotiation, awaiting formalised proceedings, or may not yet be payable due to works not beginning.

He explained that once a development was lodged with the council, levies would be recorded in the system but until the works are carried out, the levies are not due. It is estimated that approximately another €4 million would be owed on such outstanding cases.

Mr. Minogue added that Wexford Co. Council was continuing to engage with all customers who owed development levies to the council, and that each case was pursued as this was public money that was at stake.

He remarked that in most cases, reasonable agreements were made between the council and the client.

A total of €5.7 million of development levy debt has been recovered in the past three years: €2.4 million was recouped in 2012; €1.3 million in 2013; and €1.9 million in 2014.