Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Feb 1997

Vol. 474 No. 3

Written Answers. - Vehicle Registration.

Noel Treacy

Question:

145 Mr. N. Treacy asked the Minister for the Environment the action, if any, he proposes to take to ensure that the maximum number of cars are registered in each local authority area in view of his recent decision to apportion motor tax to local authorities; the action, if any, which his Department takes to ensure that corporate company cars, vans, and other commercial vehicles operating in a particular county are registered in that county rather than in the local authority area headquarters of the company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3031/97]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

Under the motor tax code, the owner of a vehicle applying for a licence (tax disc) for it must apply to the licensing authority in whose area the vehicle will be ordinarily kept. Where the vehicle is not ordinarily kept in any one area, the application is made to the licensing authority for the area where the principal place of business, or the usual place of abode, of the owner is located. The owner of a substantial fleet of vehicles may, with the consent of the relevant licensing authority, apply for licences in respect of all the vehicles in the fleet to the licensing authority of the area in which the owner's principal place of business in respect of the fleet is situated. I am satisfied that the arrangements I am currently developing for an equalisation fund will obviate any necessity to make major changes in the foregoing arrangements.