FIANNA FÁIL deputy
Charlie McConalogue has called on the Government to
explain why it is forcing property taxes on
homeowners in at least 62 unfinished estates across
Co Donegal.
Homeowners in these 62 estates were deemed exempt
from the household charge last year, but the
Government has now said they are eligible to pay
property taxes. A remaining 48 Donegal estates will
still be exempt.
“It was only right that all of these unfinished
estates in Donegal were exempt from the household
charge last year. Many of the residents are young
families who paid way over the odds for what is now
a seriously devalued home.
"They are deep in negative equity, struggling to pay
their mortgages and living in unfinished
surroundings with no end in sight. And now Fine Gael
and Labour plan to hit them with new taxes on their
homes," said the Inishowen-based TD.
He said the latest list was causing "great distress
and confusion" in these Donegal estates along with
hundreds of others across the country.
"These people have a right to an explanation."
Deputy McConalogue said his party is calling on
Minister Phil Hogan to immediately answer the
following four questions:
- What estates that were classed as unfinished last
year are now classed as complete?
- What criteria is being applied to qualify an
estate as finished?
- Have these estates been finished to the standards
that the local authority would apply?
- What criteria were used to qualify some homes in
the same estate for an exemption while others are
still liable for the tax? |
