IFA wants lower level of property tax for households in rural areas

THE level of property tax for rural dwellers should relate to the extent of public services available to them, according to IFA deputy president Eddie Downey.

Mr Downey said: “The Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan says he wants to implement a progressive and fair property tax. If he is true to his word, then the charge should be lower for households in the countryside compared to urban areas, as they enjoy fewer services.”

Mr Downey said rural dwellers have a higher cost of living and should not be penalised further by having to pay the same as those living in areas that can avail of a wider range of public services.

“The household levy should not discriminate against rural dwellers,” he said.

Mr Downey said the IFA would be making a submission to the Expert Group set up by Mr Hogan to make them aware of the concerns of the rural community.