28 June 2009. The proposed new €200 charge on every non-principal private residence will deal a major blow to the property owners who provide ongoing accommodation for single people who are socially assisted, the Chief Executive of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers, Fintan McNamara, said today.

The Local Government (Charges) Bill was published last week and is due to go through all stages in the Seanad on Wednesday.  It is expected to complete its passage through the Dáil before the House rises for the summer recess on July 10.

“This is a very discriminatory measure and is a further blow to property owners who have over the years provided accommodation for vulnerable single people in society who are not being catered for by many local authorities,” he said.

Mr McNamara said the €200 charge was only the tip of the iceberg as Section 35 of the Bill allows the Minister to vary the amount at any time. 

Mr McNamara also called for the capping of the charge at €600 per owner per annum to maintain some level of confidence in property.

“This is a form of the re-introduction of rates and if allowed to go unchecked could result in thousands of property owners ceasing to provide accommodation and vulnerable single people ending up homeless on our streets,” he added.

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