Sir, – There are grossly unfair disparities in the property tax valuations (already alluded to in your columns), as between artisan dwellings and neighbouring suburban properties in this ward. Modest single- and two-storey dwellings are in the same valuation category with larger ones. The latter include terrace type red-brick properties of two and three storeys with front and larger rear gardens, some with garages. A few even possess a mews with about the same floor area as some artisan dwellings! ( Perhaps the same penal valuations may also apply to similar dwellings countrywide).
In order to quantify these disparities, I applied the former rateable valuation (RV) standard – it sufficed for nearly 120 years – to the Revenue Commissioners’ mid-point valuation bands of the property tax table. This analysis disclosed the excessive valuations ranged from 53 per cent to more than 200 per cent.
It is difficult to understand how economists, trade unionists, certain voluntary bodies, Dáil deputies, senators and councillors failed to detect such rack-rent valuations. Should any such persons – and others – wish to check my figures, that can be arranged. – Yours, etc,
FRANK GOLDEN,
Thor Place, Dublin 7.