Seanad debates

Wednesday, 10 July 2019

Local Government Rates and Other Matters Bill 2018: Committee and Remaining Stages

 

10:30 am

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Previously, if a premises was not occupied, then zero in rates would have been due. Obviously, rates would be due but the collection would be zero and they would have been written off at the end of the year by the council or the manager. How does it operate under this section? A person could be letting a property. It might be let for two or three months of the year. There might be change or a new lease drawn up and the place might be closed for a further two or three months. Does the person look for an abatement or waiver for that? How does it operate? Does the person apply for the waiver? What if the owner cannot rent or sell the premises? What if there are other complications associated with handing down properties, including disputes and so on? There are many complications with properties when they are closed for one reason or another. In any event, when the Bill is enacted will someone have to apply for the abatement or waiver? Heretofore, if there were problems with the property or disagreements within families, no one took action until D-day came and the asset was disposed of. If the waiver or abatement is not applied for, will a bill have accrued over time? Do the people who own the property or estate find that they owe a sizable amount to the local authority with interest and so forth?

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