The Galway County Council has been accused of “wasting” thousands of euro pursuing householders “who have already paid the Household Charge”.
This is the view of Galway East TD Paul Connaughton, who said he has been “inundated with complaints from people” across east Galway who, despite having paid the controversial charge, received letters asking them to pay up or face charges of €128.
“Given that over two thirds of householders in County Galway have paid the council should be concentrating on the remaining third, not wasting money writing out to those who have already paid,” said Dep Connaughton.
Another problem for those who have already paid is that they are being asked to ring a number in Dublin, despite the letter having been issued by Galway County Council. The callers are then placed on hold for a time before a member of personnel can let them know their receipt number.
“This is placing an extra cost on householders at a time when few can afford any additional cost,” said the TD. “The price of writing out to all of these people unnecessarily will ultimately be borne by the people of the county, including rate payers who are already under huge pressure.”
