Hefty bill for penalties on second homes

Many owners of small shops, businesses and pubs have been shocked to find they owe large sums due to non-payment of the second home tax on their premises.

Co Roscommon Senator John Kelly has raised the plight of small business owners who found they owe up to €2,200, because of the accumulation of interest and penalties on unpaid €800 second home taxes.

Senator Kelly said owners were led to believe in 2009 that if they paid rates they would not have to pay the second home tax.