Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 475: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to review the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009; if he will allow for exemptions to this charge due to inability to pay particularly in cases when persons have lost their jobs or are on long-term illness benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37160/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government has decided to broaden the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on all non-principal private residences. The modest charge, which is set at €200, is payable by owners of private rented accommodation, holiday homes and any other residential property that is not the owner's sole or main residence.

The most important exemption under the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 is for principal private residences. If a person owns a property other than one that they reside in as their principal private residence, then it may be liable for the charge.

As the legislation has only been in operation for a matter of months, I have no plans at present to introduce any amendments to it.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 476: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will clarify a matter (details supplied). [37194/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government has decided to broaden the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on all non-principal private residences. The charge, which is set at €200, is payable by the owners of private rented accommodation, holiday homes and any other residential property that is not the owner's sole or main residence.

While detailed guidance has been provided to local authorities for the purpose of applying the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, covering, inter alia, the terms and definitions used in the Act and their broad application, interpretation and implementation of the legislation is a matter for the local authorities in the first instance.