Local Authority Charges.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 November 2009

Wednesday, 4 November 2009

Ceisteanna (154, 155)

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

226 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the payment system for the non principal private residence charge; if the payment methods were designed to encourage people to pay via the Internet; if non-Internet methods are user friendly; if he will review the payment methods and establish an easier to use payment method for people who do not use the Internet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39472/09]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

The Government has decided to broaden the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on all non-principal private residences, the detail of which is set out in the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009.

Payment of the charge may be made via a dedicated website, www.nppr.ie, which is a shared service across local authorities and is the most cost-efficient method of collecting payment. Payment may also be made by post or in person at the office of the local authority in whose area the property concerned is situated.

Deirdre Clune

Ceist:

227 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount received to date under the non principal private residence charge; the amount received by 1 October 2009; the amount still to be received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39473/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

The amount received in respect of the non-principal private residence charge under the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 was €20,218,400 on 1 October 2009. This figure had risen to €41,752,200 by 2 November 2009. It was originally estimated that the charge would earn approximately €40,000,000 in a year.