Property tax exemption for disability improvements is a fair approach – Cannon

Fine Gael Minister of State and Galway East TD, Ciaran Cannon, has today (Wednesday) said the decision by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, to allow for exemptions to the property tax where improvements have been made to homes for people with disabilities is a fair approach. The measure was announced as part of the Finance Bill, which was published today.

“This is a very welcome move by Minister Noonan, which will be a source of relief to homeowners who have had renovations or improvements carried out to facilitate a person with disabilities. As the former CEO of special needs children’s charity, I understand the sensitivity of this matter, and many people have been making representations to me on the issue over the last two months.

“People with disabilities and their families must make adjustments to their homes in order to make their daily lives easier. They should be facilitated in this process, rather than being penalised for it. It would have been very unfair if people with disabilities were forced to pay a higher property tax because the improvements involved increases the value of their homes.

“Now, thanks to the measure introduced by Minister Noonan, any increase in the value of a property arising from modifications to accommodate a disabled person will be disregarded. And people who receive large court awards and who spend large amounts on necessary adaptations to their property, will be exempt from the Local Property Tax, provided they continue to live in the property.

“This is a fair approach being taken by the Minister, and it demonstrates his understanding of the issue. The Government will continue to support people with disabilities to live in their own home in as much comfort as possible.”

ENDS