More than 2,000 register to pay household charge

People are being warned that they face a court appearance and fine if they fail to pay the new household charge.

A campaign against the €100 household charge has already been launched, but new figures out today show that around 2,400 people have registered to pay.

Homeowners are required to ''opt in'' to the payment by registering on www.householdcharge.ie.

Jackie Maguire, the Chairperson of the Household Charge Project Board - the group tasked with overseeing the payment process - said there are stiff penalties for outstanding debts.

Ms Maguire said: "Well we will follow it like any debt that is outstanding.

"Hopefully people, when they get a first reminder, may pay, but I suppose at that point you will have incurred late penalties, so it is not just €100 you will be paying you will have to pay the penalties."