Galway Bay FM News Archives
Taxman targets landlords dodging tax on rent
Date Published: 27-Apr-2011
Revenue inspectors have begun making door-to-door house calls across Galway in a major crackdown on tax-dodging landlords, the Connacht Tribune can reveal.
It is estimated that potentially thousands of professional landlords, as well as ‘amateurs’ who bought during the property boom, are facing massive fines.
The operation is part of a key ‘shadow economy’ strategy by Revenue which could see millions of euro collected in Galway through undeclared rental income and fines.
Dubbed the Revenue ‘Rainy Day’ fund, there are unofficial estimates the Exchequer could be losing out on as much as €6 million from undeclared rental income each year in Galway.
Already, there are reports of additional resources are being deployed to assist in the crackdown.
And with Finance Minister Michael Noonan currently preparing his jobs stimulus package, the new Government is examining all methods at its disposal to increase its revenue take – including this one.
It’s understood the main focus of the operation is on tax-dodging landlords who are not registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board, which is an offence in itself.
Inspectors have identified specific housing estates and residential areas in the city and county to target and have begun calling door-to-door to establish if a property is rented and the identity of the landlord.
A Revenue spokesperson confirmed to the Connacht Tribune this week that Galway is being targeted by officers – any undeclared landlords face an immediate audit.
“Yes, there are Revenue officers carrying out inspections of properties in Galway.
“These inspections form part of a rental sector shadow economy project in the region,” he said.
See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.
Galway Bay FM News Archives
Galway has country’s largest population of young people
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.
Galway Bay FM News Archives
Call for direct donations to city charity shops
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.
Galway Bay FM News Archives
Galway ‘Park and Ride’ could become permanent
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.