asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that urban areas are levied for county services on their gross valuations which constitute a large proportion of valuations on derelict buildings, poor and waste land, etc.; and, if so, whether he intends introducing proposals for amending legislation so that the urban ratepayers will be relieved of this unfair method of taxation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Urban Rates.
Expenses of the council of a county which are charged on the county at large are apportioned between the county health district and any urban district in the county in proportion to the gross valuation of each district. Consequently the rural areas as well as the urban areas contribute to county at large charges on the basis of their gross valuations.
Representations that the law in regard to the method of assessing county at large charges was unfair to the urban districts and should be amended were made to me by the Association of Municipal Authorities and I asked them to examine the matter in conjunction with the County Councils General Council. I am not in a position to indicate that amending legislation will be introduced.