Under section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, it is the responsibility of the planning authorities to determine the level of contributions for their functional areas, the classes of development to which the contributions will apply, and any waivers which should apply in their areas. By way of departmental circular letter, planning authorities were advised that a scheme can allow for a reduced contribution or no contribution in certain circumstances, for example, for particular types of community infrastructure, shops etc. in areas in need of regeneration, in brownfield areas or for charitable developments. All planning authorities have provided for waivers or reduced contributions in their development contribution schemes which were adopted by the statutory deadline of 10 March 2004 and are now in force.