Galway’s 4,000 property tax dodgers to feel the heat

More than 4,000 households across the county have avoided paying Local Property Tax since it was introduced eight years ago – but they are now set to be reeled in by the Department of the Environment and the local authority.

On top of that Environment Minister Eamon Ryan hasn’t ruled out the additional threat that those who have avoided paying the LPT up to now might be asked to cough up retrospectively for accumulated arrears.

Any success in bringing those householders back into the net would provide a much needed boost to a cash-strapped Galway County Council.

Minister Ryan addressed an online meeting of several members of Galway County Council, including Cathaoirleach James Charity – and he told them that this was one mechanism which could boost the local authority’s coffers.

On top of that, he did not rule out the possibility of those who’ve escaped the LPT being asked to pay up for the years they avoided paying the tax – which could leave some non-payers facing a bill of almost €2,500.

See the full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now – or you can download our digital paper from www.connachttribune.ie