Mayo holiday homes tax proposed to encourage sale of underused properties
A local holiday homes tax of €2,000, with the money ring-fenced for local community projects and amenities, has been proposed by a Mayo councillor.
The aim is to encourage the sale of unused or underused properties.
The property tax would apply to homes that aren't permanently occupied for at least six months of the year.
Councillor Peter Flynn has highlighted how in four estates in Louisburgh alone, there are 115 houses, but just 43 of the properties appear to have permanent occupants.
“Could you imagine the impact locally of having 72 affordable homes permanently occupied by families in just these four estates alone,” he asked.
Councillor Flynn, who flagged the idea at a recent housing policy committee meeting, further expanded on it in a social media post where he commented: 'Quickest way to close down a town - replace permanent family homes with holiday homes'.
He explained: “At our housing policy committee meeting I suggested a proposal that any home in Mayo that wasn't permanently occupied for at least six months of the year should have a minimum local tax of €2,000 applied with the funds ring-fenced for the area and spent on amenities via the council or local groups like Tidy Towns, community councils, men's sheds, etc.
“The key aim of the tax is to encourage the sale of unused or underused properties.
“The second is to ensure some contribution is made by holiday home owners to the community in which these homes are located.
“I suggested Louisburgh as a pilot location based on the huge number of empty homes I encountered while canvassing during the recent elections. To see lovely estates with occupancy rates of 20%-40% at a time when people in good jobs can't find a home to rent or buy just doesn't seem right.”
He continued: “Using the Register of Electors to confirm occupancy I looked at a sample of four estates in Louisburgh. The total number of houses in these four estates is 115, just 43 of the houses appear to have permanent occupants.
“Based on the Property Price Register the current market value of houses in these four estates range from €240,000 to €320,000.
“Louisburgh is in a town of 366 people with a population that dropped by 15%, according the last census in 2022.
“Could you imagine the impact locally of having 72 affordable homes permanently occupied by families in just these four estates alone.
“In default my proposed holiday home tax would provide Louisburgh with hundreds of thousands every year to be spent on local amenities and infrastructure.
“It's not so long ago since Louisburgh had two good hotels, restaurants and eight family run bars, all now closed. There is no hotel now and other than going to the two remaining bars, you cannot get a cup of coffee or sandwich after 6 p.m.”
Councillor Flynn added: “While visitors and investment is welcome, having sustainable communities are more important in my view. Having strong schools, sports clubs and voluntary organisations is key to the success of every town and village.
“Towns like Louisburgh have an amazing community spirit but how long is this sustainable if the permanent population stagnates.
“Last week I checked AirBnB for availability in Louisburgh for next May bank holiday. 415 properties appeared as options! Yes 415 for rent in Louisburgh!
“I anticipate disagreement with my proposal but if we are to give young working families a chance to own or rent a home and/or create sustainable towns and villages, we need to take some radical actions. These affordable holiday homes are already built so aren't reliant on planning systems, zoned serviced lands and availability of skilled construction workers.
“Some night over the Christmas take a drive out to Louisburgh or other similar location around the county and count the number of homes in darkness. Let me know your thoughts. Believe me it is stark.”