Written answers

Tuesday, 31 March 2015

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Commercial Rates Impact

Photo of John McGuinnessJohn McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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285. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if the rateable valuations being applied to wind farms have been examined by him to determine the effect the increases will have on existing and proposed wind farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12965/15]

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I am aware that the Valuation Office have, as part of the National Revaluation Programme, completed the revaluation of all commercial properties in Limerick in 2014. Included in that revaluation were a number of wind farms and I understand that the revaluation of these properties will mean that these wind farm operators are facing substantial increases in their rates bills. I am also aware of the concerns expressed by the Irish Wind Energy Association, the Irish Wind Farmers Association and individual wind farm operators.

The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his functions and the Act does not accord me, as Minister, any function in the assignment of value to property for rates purposes. The Valuation Act 2001 provides for a number of avenues of appeal, the first of which is to the Commissioner of Valuation. There is also provision for subsequent appeal to the independent Valuation Tribunal and to the High Court on a point of law. I understand that appeals have been lodged on revalued wind farms in Limerick. The outcome of these appeals has a bearing on the what the ultimate impact of rates has on these and other wind farms and the independent process of valuation and appeal has to be allowed to take its course. I understand that the initial appeal to the Commissioner will be completed in the near future.

The result of the appeal or appeals, and I do not know if there will be any change or not, has to be considered before any conclusion can be drawn  as to whether  legislative change might or might not be an appropriate response to the concerns of wind farm operators.

The Energy Sector is the responsibility of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources who is also aware of this issue.      

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