asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that the poor law valuation of business houses and houses in general has been increased where interior repairs have been carried out without any structural alteration to premises, and whether it is a fact that the installation of a new cooking system, or the laying of a new floor covering, is regarded as sufficient grounds to warrant the raising of the valuation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Valuation Increases.
Pádraig Ó Cuinneáin
The basis of valuation under the Valuation Acts is letting value. Where the valuation of premises is increased on revision, the increase may be due to repairs to the premises, which have enhanced its letting value, or a general rise in letting values or a combination of both.
In fixing the valuation of a building, the valuer must take into account all factors affecting its letting value. This would, in many cases, include consideration of the cooking system and the nature of the flooring. Floor coverings, such as carpets, linoleum or rugs, would not be taken into account.