Westmeath County Council has thanked all those householders in the county who have paid the Household Charge, saying they are “encouraged by the number of citizens who have paid to date”.
Some 31,500 houses in Westmeath are liable for the €100 houehold charge, the deadline for which passed last Saturday March 31.
With the national collection figure now at over 50 per cent, the council believes the percentage of people who have paid to date is roughly in line with national figures.
Westmeath county manager Daniel McLoughlin highlighted the importance of the collection of the charge for the maintenance of public services in the county, and requested those who have not paid the charge do so as soon as possible.
“The €100 Household Charge provides part of the finance for the Local Government Fund which is worth €16m to Westmeath County Council this year. The collection of the charge is critical to enable this council to continue to provide local essential services including fire and emergency, roads, water, housing, parks, libraries, and our arts programme. Your support for your county is both essential and appreciated,” he said.
“The unfortunate reality now is that we need this money to continue providing vital local services and it is money the Government has made clear they do not have to give us.”
With penalties and interest the charge payable now stands at €111 until the end of April, and will continue to rise. Mr McLoughlin advises citizens “to pay your charge as soon as possible so that you are not liable for further penalties”.
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 your local authority office during normal opening hours.
For further information and FAQs log on to www.householdcharge.ie or LoCall 1890 357357.
