asked the Minister for Local Government if he has received a resolution from Naas Urban District Council in reference to the relief of rates on agricultural land within an urban district; and, if so, whether he is prepared to accede to the Council's request.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Rate Relief on Agricultural Land.
19.
I have received a copy of the resolution. Legislation would be necessary to meet the council's request. The introduction of such legislation is not proposed.
Does the Minister not intend to introduce legislation in any event in relation to the agricultural grant, following the Budget? Does the Budget decision not involve legislation?
I do not know whether it does or not. There is no intention to introduce legislation to remove the distinction between land in an urban and a rural area.
Why?
Because there are good reasons for the distinction.
What are they?
There is, for instance, the fact that farmers in urban areas benefit from services made available by the urban authorities and that they are nearer to markets. The farmer in the urban areas has not the same claim to rate reliefs as the general body of farmers who claim that they do not benefit to the same extent from the services provided by local authorities.
I do not see why.