Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Property owners who are experiencing financial difficulty may avail of a wide range of flexible payment options in respect of current local property tax, LPT, liabilities and for any previous years. To answer the Deputy's question on those accessing it, the number is quite low: 0.6% of all taxpayers are accessing it across the years 2023, 2024 and 2025. Ahead of the revaluation in 2021, I reduced the interest that applied to deferred LPT from 4% to 3%.

Given I reduced the rate last time, I do not propose do so again. What I have done is increased the income thresholds at which deferrals can be accessed. We have seen income growth in our economy, despite the cost-of-living pressures many have faced, and I want to ensure the ability of hard-pressed homeowners to access those deferral options is maintained. The evidence is the vast majority of people look to pay their LPT bill on time. I know it is a big bill but those who find it difficult to pay upfront can spread the payment across the year. The number is low but we are looking to deal with the issue the Deputy raised by increasing the income thresholds instead.

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