asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the valuations of houses in Brookfield Park, The Lough, Cork, vary between £14 10s. 0d. and £16 10s. 0d., even though the houses are similar from the point of view of purchase price, size and other amenities; and, if so, whether he will introduce proposals for legislation to have all such valuations fixed at the lower level.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Revision of Valuations in Cork.
I am aware that the valuation of certain houses in Brookfield Park, The Lough, Cork, is £14 10s. 0d. while that of similar houses on the same road is £16 10s. 0d. The first houses on this road were valued at £14 10s. 0d. but a valuation of £16 10s. 0d. was placed on similar houses valued subsequently. I am informed that the higher valuation of the latter houses is warranted by the increase in the letting value of property in the meantime.
I understand the purchase price of the houses concerned varied from £750 in 1943 to £1,480 in 1949 and that the ground rents of the newer houses are higher than those of the older ones. If any of the houses valued at £14 10s. 0d. were now to come up for revision of valuation they would probably be valued at £16 10s. 0d. also. As the Deputy is, no doubt, aware the initiative in the matter of revision of valuations rests with ratepayers and the rate collector and, in county health areas, with the secretary of the county council, also.
I do not intend to introduce proposals for legislation as suggested by the Deputy.