Ó Riordáin Calls For A Review Of The Tax On Second Homes

Dublin North Central T.D. Aodhán Ó Riordáin, today called on the Minister for Environment and Local Government to review the tax on second homes for those who only own one property.

He said: "If you currently own a property in which you do not live you are liable for the charge. This includes people on social welfare who may have leased their home to cover the cost of their mortgage.

"I've been approached by many constituents on this issue and I cannot understand the irregularity. This should be a tax on those who own multiple homes, not on those who only own one.


"In the current circumstances many people who are forced to vacate their home have ended up being footed with a bill for Non Principal Private Residence. These are people who may have lost their jobs and moved to smaller, cheaper accommodation, renting out what had previously been a primary residence in an effort to save their investment in their home.

"I have written to the Minister for Environment and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, and I would call on him to review this abnormality.

"At the very least there should be a provision for settlement, part-payment, payment by instalment or an exemption for people on social welfare."

(CD/GK)