Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has today (Thursday) encouraged local residents to make their voices heard on the Local Property Tax (LPT). Deputy Mitchell O’Connor was speaking after Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council announced it is inviting submissions on whether it should lower property tax rates.

“The Government has given local councils the power to adjust the rate of the LPT, within a range of +/- 15%. While cutting the property tax sounds like a no brainer, it is important to add that it is essential that local councils manage their budgets sensibly, otherwise local services will be hit.

“I hope that Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council will be in a position to lower the property tax for local residents. Just because you live in the so-called ‘leafy suburbs’ doesn’t mean you find it easy to afford the property tax. But I would also caution that the council must ensure that if it cuts the property tax rate, local services should not be allowed to suffer.

“This Government is determined to give local councils more control over their own affairs; that is why the administration of the LPT has been handed to local councils. Home owners in Dublin, and particularly in areas like Dun Laoghaire where property prices are rapidly rising, often pay considerably more in property tax because their homes are worth more.

“Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has invited written submissions from the public. The Council particularly wants to hear from people about what impact a change in the LPT rate would have on businesses, local services and local residents. Now is the time to make your views known.”