asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that prior to its acquisition by the Electricity Supply Board the Kerry Electric Supply Company paid rates to the Killarney Urban Council on a valuation of £378; that the Electricity Supply Board pay rates only on a valuation of £118 for the same property, and that the Killarney ratepayers are still compelled to pay rates to the Kerry County Council on the valuation of £378; that the position now is that the ratepayers of Killarney are losing approximately £88 a year because these Electricity Supply Board premises are rated at all; and whether, in view of the hardship this anomaly causes to the public of Killarney, he will take the necessary steps to have the position restored to that which existed prior to the acquisition of the property.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rating of Killarney Premises.
I am aware of the position as disclosed in the Deputy's question regarding the rateable valuation of the electricity hereditaments at Killarney arising out of the acquisition by the Electricity Supply Board of the Kerry Electric Supply Company. This particular case, and others of a similar nature, are receiving the careful consideration of my Department and the Department of Local Government and Public Health with a view to relieving at least some of the hardship involved. Amending legislation would, of course, be necessary if it is decided to alter the provisions of Section 11 of the Electricity (Supply) Amendment Act, 1930.