Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2015
238. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when the proposal to remove the non-commercial parts of the premises of sports clubs is expected to take effect; and the way sports clubs can apply for a revaluation of their premises under the new regulations. [7302/15]
View answer240. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform details of the proposals that sports clubs will only be liable to pay commercial rates on the parts of their clubhouses which have bars or shops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6704/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 238 and 240 together.
The Valuation (Amendment)(No.2) Bill 2012 is progressing through the Oireachtas. It had its Second Stage reading in the Dáil on 12th February 2015, having been passed by the Seanad on 20th November 2014. I expect that the Bill will proceed to Dáil Committee Stage in early March.
The Government introduced an amendment in the Bill to Schedule 4 of the Valuation Act 2001 on Committee Stage in the Seanad. This amendment, inserting paragraphs 4A and 4B into Schedule 4 of the Valuation Act 2001, is contained in Section 38 of the Bill as passed by the Seanad. If enacted, the change to Schedule 4 will exempt from rates the non-commercial parts of Community Sports premises.
After enactment, the Commissioner of Valuation, who is independent in the performance of his duties, will put appropriate procedures in place to make the changes to the valuation lists for local authority areas to reflect an amended Schedule 4. His office may need to contact sports clubs to complete this task.
