My Home in Ballymun
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Site Value Tax (SVT) Versus Full Value Tax (FVT)
So what’s all this fuss about Site Value Tax (SVT)? To really get a feel for it, you need to have a look at some properties and calculate the SVT for those properties to see how the tax works.
Let’s compare two properties in Ballymun, where I live. First, my own home, which is a terraced house with a floor of 75m2 but with a small front and back garden the total site is 150m2. The second home that we will look at is a neighbour’s apartment, with the same floor space of 75m2, its own front door, but as there are three apartments together, one on top of the other, it’s effective site area is 25m2 (75m2 divided by 3). So the two homes have identical floor areas, but my home has a site that is six times the site of the apartment, so my SVT would be six times higher than the apartment.
Read more on Site Value Tax (SVT) Versus Full Value Tax (FVT)
We buy Cars for Cash
There has been a big increase in illegal signs offering to "Buy Cars for Cash" all over the city in recent months. I have raised this issue at the council and with the Gardaí.
The Council are removing these signs as quickly as they can. In the North Central Area, 20 signs are being removed per week at the moment, but they are going up again, as fast as they can be removed.
The Enforcement Unit have identified several locations where the cars are being brought and will initiate enforcement measures if no relevant permits exist for such activities.
The Gardaí are working to close down mobile phone numbers where possible.
At the moment, there is a fine of €150 for every illegal poster. This fine needs to be increased for repeat offenders.
dublinbikes
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dublinbikes & Innovation
It’s been a hectic few weeks in the Mansion House & it doesn’t show any sign of slowing down. In fact I’ve been informed it gets busier as we get closer to Christmas. I am enjoying every aspect of the job of Lord Mayor, even the challenges!
I received great news regarding dublinbikes last week – a new daily record for journeys taken was set. dublinbikes’ members took 7,052 journeys on Thursday 13th October, marking another milestone in dublinbikes’ incredible success. There are now 550 bikes in the scheme. It shows once again the demand for the scheme and for cycling in the city. When we first launched the scheme in 2009 there was a lot of worry that it did would not work. dublinbikes is now one of the most successful schemes in the world and we are planning to increase the number of bikes from 500 to 5,000 in the next five years. Between now and 5pm on 26th October you can give your views on dublinbikes and its proposed expansion. The survey can be found at www.delve-surveys.com/dublinbikes & you are in with a chance of winning an Ipad2 on completion!
Up the Dubs!
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What a great weekend for Irish sport! Not only did the rugby boys do us proud against Australia on Saturday, but yesterday the boys in blue were victorious, beating Kerry in a nail-biting finish. Dublin has waited 16 years for the Sam Maguire to return and no doubt we will enjoy every moment. Congratulations to Pat Gilroy, Bryan Cullen and all the players.
I hope everyone will come out and welcome home the Dublin team and Sam Maguire tomorrow evening in Merrion Square. The event starts at 7.00p.m., with access from 6.00p.m. Access via Merrion Square East, Merrion Square South and Fitzwilliam Street Lower. See you there!
Officially opening the Community Garden
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Read the community gardening report from Dublin City Council
Coffee Morning in the Mansion House
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Yet another busy week in the Mansion House. Tuesday, I met with schoolchildren from Beijing, who entertained me with a traditional dance performance in the Oak Room. From there I joined in the end of year celebrations for Ballymun Regional Youth Resource.
On Wednesday, the Lady Mayoress & I, had the honour of travelling to the Dublin Horse Show in the magnificent 222-year-old Mayoral Coach. I officially opened proceedings alongside President of the RDS, Mr. Fonsie Mealy. The 'Tops and Tails’ came out today as I returned to the horse show to watch the Aga Khan. It was a wonderful afternoon. Check out the following link for photos from the day: http://pix.ie/lordmayordublin
This morning I hosted a coffee morning in aid of the East Africa Emergency Appeal and was joined by representatives from Trócaire, Concern and Oxfam. The event was a great success and we raised much needed funds for the appeal. Why not host your own coffee morning with friends & family? Read the Press Release below for more details...
Lord Mayor’s East Africa Emergency Appeal - Pictured here are Jim Clarken, CEO of Oxfam Ireland, Frances O’Keeffe, Secretary Concern, Lord Mayor Andrew Montague and Justin Kilcullen, Director of Trocaire.
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East Africa Emergency Appeal
Today in the Mansion House I held a Press Launch asking people to donate 1 hour of their salary to The Lord Mayor’s East Africa Emergency Appeal. Read the press release below for further details.
I have been chosen as the Labour Party candidate for Lord Mayor for tonight's meeting of Dublin City Council. It's a great honour and I'm very excited. :-)
TCD Science Gallery
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My First Few Weeks as Lord Mayor
I’ve been very busy over the last 3 weeks since my election as Lord Mayor, but I’m enjoying every moment.
One of the themes of my year in office is ‘anti-social behaviour’. On Tuesday I met with Seán Alyward, Secretary General of the Department of Justice and Equality. I wanted the chance to speak with Seán prior to his retirement next week. He was very supportive of my plans to hold a conference on this subject and he encouraged me to look to other cities who have struggled with anti-social behaviour issues in the past. I will keep you informed of any developments.
