Sinn Féin councillor Jack Murray has welcomed unanimous support for his motion which called for all housing developments with wastewater treatment problems in Donegal to be registered by the council as ‘in seriously problematic condition’ so that they may be exempted from any property tax.
Cllr Murray said: “I welcome the unanimous support for my motion which, I believe, will provide protection for home owners in unfinished estates from future property taxes.
“I moved the motion as I am aware of a number of developments in Inishowen which, while signed off by the council as having met all planning conditions, have developed serious problems with their wastewater treatment plants.
“Some sewage plants have collapsed to a point that effluent has flown down their streets from overflowing manholes. The residents in these developments have confirmed, through the HSE, that there are serious health risks in these developments.
“I am aware of a development which must empty their system on a fortnightly basis at a cost of €1300, just to stop it from overflowing. They is becoming an unbearable financial burden for the residents.
“However, as the council has signed off on the development, it was deemed to be finished and is liable to property taxes.
“Now however, with the passing of this motion, I am hopeful that they will be exempted from these taxes.
“This is a small step in the fight to have problematic estates fixed to a standard that families deserve. It is also a small step in the fight against unjust property charges.”
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