Hogan challenges people to pay Household Charge

The Environment Minister Phil Hogan is once again urging those who have not yet paid their Household Charge to do so for the good of their communities.

The €100 fee was brought in this year ahead of the introduction of a full property tax next year.

However, despite warnings of late fees and the suspension of funding for local services, less than 65%of householders that are obliged to pay have registered so far.

Environment Minister Phil Hogan has told Midwest Radio that he understands people's frustration.

Mr Hogan said: "I think that the people who have paid are rightly annoyed at the people who have not paid, so I would challenge the people who have not paid the Household Charge.

"If they are seriously interested in the services continuing, and the community groups that are getting funding and the grants they are getting in the arts and cultural area, that they pay the charge and help those communities."