Homeowners ‘should pay quality of life tax’

HOMEOWNERS should pay a new tax for ‘quality of life’ services according to Kerry County Council.

Stopping short of saying such a tax would mark a return of domestic rates, which were abolished in 1977, the council’s head of finance John O’Connor said an annual householder’s contribution scheme was now necessary.

While the estimated cost per house has not been worked out, the tax would fund improvements to beaches, libraries, street-scapes, cultural projects and playgrounds.