Galway Bay FM News Archives
LOWER VAT RATE TO REMAIN FOR 2013
Date Published: 05-Dec-2012
The Finance Minister has confirmed that the lower 9 percent VAT rate is to remain for 2013.
Michael Noonan says in relation to the mortgage interest relief, the measure introduced last year will end on December 31st BUT exemption from new property tax up to 2016 for any new homes for first time buyers or unoccupied homes bought.
Central to budget was the much flagged property tax. It will kick in next summer and will be charged at 0.18 percent of the value of your home. A so called mansion tax for houses valued at over a million euro will also be introduced at a rate of 0.25 percent.
Local authorities are to be given the power to vary the tax by 15 percent above or below the national rate to better match their funding needs.
But there’s bad news if you own more than one house. Next year you will have to pay the second home charge along with the new property tax. The second home charge will be phased out in 2014.
There are to be changes to PRSI contributions. The 127 euro weekly tax free allowance is to be scrapped with PRSI being paid on all income instead.
Landlords and people with shares will not escape either. PRSI is now to be charged on rental income and share earnings.
Pensioners are also in the firing line. Those with high incomes are to be hit with a 3 point increase in the Universal Social Charge on incomes over 60,000 euro.
Savers will see DIRT on interest go up to 33 percent from thirty, other capital taxes such as capital gains tax are also being increased
Motor tax is going up as is VRT however petrol and diesel have been spared any rise.
Some of the so called old reliable’s haven’t escaped either. Cigarettes are to increase by 10 cent per pack of 20, A pint of beer or cider will increase by 10 cent from Midnight but if your a wine drinker, a bottle is going up by one euro.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
Galway has a population of young people which is more than twice the national average.
According to information gathered by the Central Statistics Office, Galway’s population of 20 to 24 year olds is more than twice the national average.
The number of 25-34 year olds in Galway is also more than the norm nationally, with the two main colleges thought to be the main reason.
However immigration in Galway is much higher than in other areas at 19.4 percent, compared to the national average of 12 percent.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A city councillor is encouraging people to donate goods directly to charity shops.
It follows allegations of thefts from clothes banks in Galway and across the country in recent months.
However, cameras are in place at some clothes banks and surveillance is carried out by local authorities.
Speaking on Galway Talks, Councillor Neil McNeilis said the problem of theft from clothes banks is widespread.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A park ‘n’ ride scheme from Carnmore into Galway city could become a permanent service if there is public demand.
That’s according to the Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Michael Coyle.
The pilot scheme will begin at 7.20 next Monday morning, May 13th.
Motorists will be able to park cars at the airport carpark in Carnmore and avail of a bus transfer to Forster Street in the city.
Buses will depart every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at offpeak times throughout the day, at a cost of 2 euro per journey.
Families queue up for school’s offer of free house
West has lower cancer survival rates than rest
Galway minors continue to lay waste to all opponents
Gardaí and IFA issue a joint appeal on summer road safety
Marathon Man plans to call a halt – but not before he hits 160 races
