Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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214. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the average processing time for valuations to be processed by the Valuation Office; if there is a difference in processing times between different types of properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20391/23]

Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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215. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his views on the delays in the Valuation Office in processing properties seeking a rates exemption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20392/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 215 together.

The Valuation Office (VO) merged with Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi) and the Property Registration Authority (PRA) to form a new organisation, Tailte Éireann (TÉ) on 1 March 2023. The Valuation Division of TÉ carries out the valuation activities formerly carried out by the VO.

TÉ is independent in the exercise of its valuation functions under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended. The making of valuations for rating purposes and decisions in relation to exemptions are the sole responsibility of TÉ, and I, as Minister, have no function in decisions in this regard.

TÉ is currently completing the next phase of the National Revaluation Programme known as REVAL2023 which will be published in September 2023. This is the revaluation of all rateable properties in the rating authority areas of Clare, Donegal, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown, Galway, Kerry and Mayo County Councils and Galway City Council. This will bring more equity, fairness and transparency into the local authority rating system in those local authority areas and will distribute the commercial rates liability across businesses more equitably, based on modern circumstances.

TÉ is dealing with a build-up of revision applications which is in part due to being unable to inspect properties during the pandemic. Pre-pandemic the target was to process revision applications within six months of application being made with many applications being dealt with within this timeframe. I understand that, in terms of Revision, about 4,900 valuations issued in 2022 - adding an additional €47 million approximately to local authorities rates income for 2023 and subsequent years.

All revision applications, including applications relating to exemption from rates, completed in a particular year take effect for rates purposes in the following year. For example, revision applications completed in 2023 will be effective for rates purposes from 2024 and any change will be reflected in the rates liability calculated by local authorities in January 2024.

The development and roll out of a new valuation operating system will assist in TÉ completing as many revision applications as is practically possible by year end, and in dealing with all revision applications within the statutory timeline going forward.

TÉ may be contacted by Oireachtas members directly via email to reps@tailte.ie.