Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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In terms of the derelict sites levy, I take issue with something that is in the report. It is noted that few property owners pay their annual levy when billed, and the outstanding levies are not collected until the property is disposed of. As far as I know, it is not legally correct for levies to be imposed every year. I refer to derelict sites, not vacant sites. The reports says the derelict sites levy needs to be collected every year and it should not be left until a property is sold. It states that, in fact, local authorities are failing in their legal duty to collect those levies. I do not think that should be in the report. I think that is a mistake. It needs to be clarified because under this scenario, if I get a parking ticket tomorrow, I do not have to pay it until I sell my car. That is what this is saying here: that a person who has a derelict sites levy that is due, does not have to pay it until he or she sells the property. As far as I know, that is in breach of legislation.