asked the Minister for Local Government if he will arrange that rating relief on agricultural land in urban areas be similar to that for rural areas.
205.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Agricultural Land Relief.
204.
asked the Minister for Local Government if the farmers within urban areas are treated in the same manner as the farmers in rural areas with regard to relief of rates on land under £20 valuation.
206.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he will amend the second schedule (Part 2) of the Local Government Act, 1946, to have relief from rates on agricultural land in urban areas applied on the same basis as in county health districts.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 to 206, inclusive, together. The allowances provided under the Rates on Agricultural Land (Relief) Acts do not apply to land in urban areas. Such land is not, however, rated in its full valuation but on a fraction of its valuation. The introduction of legislation extending the agricultural grant allowances to land holdings in urban areas is not contemplated.
(Cavan): Is the Minister aware that in places like Ballinasloe, Naas and elsewhere there are substantial areas of agricultural land used as such and that accordingly farmers in such areas are penalised because they are within those areas? Would the Minister consider the views of the Municipal Authorities Association on this matter?
The land in urban areas is not liable for the full rate. As the Deputy knows, there is a deduction. I mentioned this in my reply and I have said it in the House on several occasions.
(Cavan): Why does the Minister not bring a fresh approach to his Department instead of repeating what his predecessors have said for years?