Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2012
452. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to help persons who have built up penalties in relation to the non payment of the non-principal private residence payments. [49756/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra457. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has considered a hardship application submitted by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3 in respect of outstanding non principal private residence payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49926/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra458. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an exemption from the non principal private residence charge for a property (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [49927/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 452, 457 and 458 together.
The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 broadened the revenue base of local authorities by introducing the Non Principal Private Residence Charge . The charge is set at €200 and liability for it falls, in the main, on owners of rental, holiday and vacant properties . It is a matter for an owner to determine if he or she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the charge.
Under the Act, it is a function of a local authority to collect the Non Principal Private Residence Charge and late payment fees due to it, and all Charges and late payment fees imposed and payable to a local authority are under the care and management of the local authority concerned. In this regard, application of the legislation in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Guidelines have also been issued to local authorities in relation to the provisions of the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, which address matters including the collection, care and management of the Charge, and the operation of exemptions. Local authorities are expected to implement these guidelines appropriately.
I urge all liable persons who have not paid the Charge to contact their local authority as a matter of urgency. Property owners who are unsure of their liability should also contact their local authority.
