Why no fuss about property tax? Asks Long

COMPARED to the angry reaction to the government’s plan to introduce a water charge, there is relatively no fuss being made about the introduction in January of a property tax, of between €150 and €200 on all homes.

This is the view of Cllr Jim Long (FG), who, following on from his recently stated promise to lead a campaign against the introduction of water charges, is now urging householders to “take a look at what and where they can reduce the use of treated water”.

He told the Limerick Post: “There is to be an immediate charge on site value tax – property tax in other words. From January 2012, there will be a charge of between €150 and €200 to every house owner and there is relatively no fuss being made about this, compared to an approximate charge of €80 annually for water.

“I believe the issue of the property tax is being sidelined as a result of the proposed water charge that, as meters have yet to be installed in houses, is a couple of years away”.

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He points out that a new state-owned company – Irish Water- will take over the water maintenance programme within the 34 local authorities.

Referring to the government memorandum of understanding with the IMF. signed by the previous government, he says this commits Ireland to undertaking independent assessment of the establishment of a water utility.

“The programme for Government proposes the installation of water meters in households and the introduction of water charges based on usage only, and these charges will not come into effect until after the metering process is complete.

“There will be no flat charge in the interim, all money raised is to be used for the delivery of a new water service.

“€1.2 billion is allocated each year to treat water that is used for all and sundry – up to two thirds of treated water is used for non essential purposes, and there is to be a rehabilitation programme for old broken pipes”.

The councillor adds:
“I believe we can easily harvest rain water for all uses, not including drinking, washing, cooking – this simple task, added to the free allowance, should eliminate proposed charges.

“The government is examining ways to introduce a scheme for vulnerable households though a waiver system and I’m actively investigating a a variety of ways of harvesting rain water, which I will bring to city council, and while I’m totally opposed to water charges, if it is not in my control to avoid these proposed charges, I believe the alternative is to find effective ways of conserving and becoming efficient to avoid charges”.