More than 18,000 Galway households have now paid the controversial household charge, with 1,250 of those payments having been made over the last two months.
According to the Galway City Council, the total number of properties registered and paid for in the city area is 18,832 with 1,250 of those having paid the charge since July 1. City Hall has stated that the money raised from the charge will go towards maintaining essential local services.
“This money is critical to fund public parks, open spaces and beach maintenance; planning and development; maintenance and cleaning of streets and street lighting – all facilities that benefit everyone in the community,” said deputy city manager Ciarán Hayes.
The council is appealing to those owners of residential properties who have yet to register and pay the household charge, to do so as soon as possible “so that services can be maintained”.
Mr Hayes has also publicly thanked people “who have paid the household charge and I am encouraged by the number of citizens who continue to pay the charge”.
Payment of the charge and all penalties due can be made online at www.householdcharge.ie, by posting an application form to PO Box 12168, Dublin 1, or at City Hall on College Road
