Hogan: Authorities to begin pursuit of unpaid household charge fees

Minister for the Environment and Local Government Phil Hogan has said that local authorities will soon begin sending out letters to people who have not paid the household charge.

Minister Hogan revealed that 945,000 homes have stumped up for the €100 charge to date, a compliance rate of 58%.

It has been reported that second home owners in arrears will be targeted first, but Minister Hogan said this is a matter for local authorities to decide.

"All I want them (local authorities) to do is make sure that they collect all arrears and all outstanding amounts.

"Local authorities will be sending out letters in the coming weeks in order to collect the arrears and the penalties."