Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the non principal private residence charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45085/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, broadened the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on non-principal private residences. 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 , whether resident in Ireland or elsewhere, 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 non-principal private residence charges 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 operation of the “care and management” provisions of the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 and local authorities are expected to implement these guidelines appropriately.

The NPPR charge has been in operation for 4 years and has been the subject of much public discussion and commentary prior to, and following, its introduction . Failure to declare a liability in respect of, or to fail to pay, the charge on non-principal private residences, are offences. I urge all liable parties who have not paid the charge on non-principal private residences to contact their local authority as a matter of urgency. Property owners who are unsure of their liability should, in the first instance, contact their local authority.