Category Archives: Legal Information & Updates

If you own a residential property, and it was in use as a dwelling for less than 30 days in the 12 month chargeable period from 1^st November 2022 to 31^st October 2023, you may be liable for Vacant Homes Tax. The rate of Vacant Homes Tax for a property for the 2022 / 2023 chargeable period was 3 times the basic rate of Local Property Tax.   This is payable in addition to Local Property Tax. It was increased to 5 times the basic rate of Local Property Tax in Budget 2024.

Further details below:

https://www.revenue.ie/en/property/vacant-homes-tax/index.aspx

The Temporary Development Contribution Waiver Scheme  applies for 1 year to all permitted residential development that commences on site between 25 April 2023 and 24 April 2024, and is completed not later than 31 December 2025. The Waiver covers the full costs of the development contribution levy due under the Development Contribution Scheme operated by the relevant Local Authority. The Scheme applies to all permitted residential development. Residential extensions and the refurbishment of existing vacant / derelict properties are not included under the Waiver Scheme.

More details here: https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/264652/843df41a-1ccd-4fb6-a77c-3152b943cebc.pdf#page=null

The Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, which was enacted in December 2015, is due to commence on the 26^th of April 2023. Once fully commenced, this Act will be a significant development in recognising the legal rights of all persons, regardless of disability. It will provide a new legal frame work to support persons who may have difficulties with their capacity to make certain decisions.  More details can be found here:

https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/legal_matters_and_health/assisted_decision_making_act.html

Sage Advocacy has produced this helpful guide to supporting adults who may be vulnerable in managing their finances and this is available here https://www.sageadvocacy.ie/media/2424/managing-finances-march-2023.pdf

For advice you can contact us by telephoning 0659051009 or by emailing info@mcmahonwilliams.ie. Alternatively, please visit our website https://www.mcmws.ie/ for individual Solicitor contact details.

Please note that the 25th April 2023 is the last date for receipt of applications to appoint a care representative under the Fair Deal Scheme. From the 26th April, all such applications will be brought under the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act 2015. See link for further information:

https://www.courts.ie/news/update-assisted-decision-making-capacity-act-and-care-representative-applications-april-2023?fbclid=IwAR0zzp-W9qw74c7Mo1golpa9JVqZ2odOxXr5x6i3Bx20NXDZ-L1U8zil0Y0#:~:text=Please%20note%3A%20The%2025th%20of,(Capacity)%20Act%2C%202015