Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Mark Stedman/RollingsNews.ie

Irish MEP left behind in Dublin Airport by Lufthansa

Seán Kelly had been booked on the flight and had paid for his ticket well in advance. And he’s not happy with what happened…

MEP SEÁN KELLY has vowed to ban airlines from over-booking flights after being left stranded in Dublin Airport yesterday.

Speaking to EuroParlRadio, Kelly described airlines over-selling flights as “very bad practice and totally disrespectful of citizens”.

Kelly had his ticket on the Dublin to Frankfurt flight with German airline Lufthansa booked and paid for well in advance.

When Kelly, the leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament, arrived at the check-in desk in Dublin Airport, he was told the flight was full and that he couldn’t get on it.

He said there were other people in the airport in a similar situation so it raises “a serious issue”. He intends to do everything he can to bring in legislation that will stop airlines overbooking flights.

12/10/2013. Fine Gael National Conferences Sean Kelly and Senator Cait Keane at the Fine Gael National Conference 2013 Laura Hutton / RollingNews.ie Laura Hutton / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

The Ireland South MEP described the situation:

It’s a bit like a shopkeeper having six apples to sell and he decides to say he has eight to sell. So the two people who come last, he says ‘Sorry you paid for apples but I’ve none left and I’ll take care of you some other time’.

He waited for almost an hour before deciding to take action. “I got onto my office and booked an alternative flight to Paris and got the train down and got here [Strasbourg] last night at midnight,” he said.

Lufthansa were contacted for a comment but haven’t yet responded. Kelly said that the Lufthansa staff did offer him alternative options but he was under time constraints to travel as soon as possible.

According to the website Consumerhelp.ie, if you are denied boarding because your flight is overbooked, your airline must offer you an alternative flight or refund the price of your ticket.

They must also provide you with food, refreshments and reasonable access to a phone or email. If waiting overnight for your alternative flight, you must be given accommodation and transport between the airport and your accommodation.

Read: This fuelless plane may just be changing the future of air travel

Read: The Boeing has landed: Plane reaches glamping village after mammoth effort

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
118 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute George Beattie
    Favourite George Beattie
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:29 AM

    It costs so much to put a car on the road here, road tax is extortionate and the roads are still in bad repair. Fair enough there’s motor ways but they all have tolls! We pay a tax for a service we don’t get! Particularly in rural areas..

    495
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Twomey
    Favourite Kevin Twomey
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:01 AM

    Problem in rural areas is that we have far too many roads than we can afford to maintain. We should just concentrate on the main roads between villages and towns, and really just let the back roads die out over time.

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor Ó Ruanaidh
    Favourite Conor Ó Ruanaidh
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:09 AM

    I do kind of agree with you. There are far too many roads to maintain and the well used roads are still in bad nick. I drive from Monaghan to Cavan each day and when you hit “Welcome to Cavan” there is a noticeable drop in the quality of road. The Monaghan section was resurfaced, lined and dangerous parts straightened while the Cavan side is atrocious, bendy with no road markings and they fill the holes with stone which wash out within a day. The road authorities should set aside money for straightening these kind of roads. There are loads of transport and haulage companies such as Lakeland and Manor Farm which has so many lorries on the main bendy roads that the average speed is 40-50 kph. When two of these lorries meet one has to stop while the other goes by.

    32
    See 23 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Robert Callaghan
    Favourite Robert Callaghan
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:19 AM

    Kevin,

    What about the people living on these back roads, that more than likely pay road tax as well, should we build them new houses on these main routes?

    133
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lavinia
    Favourite Lavinia
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:29 AM

    Close rural schools, close rural pubs, stop maintaining rural roads, lets pick everyone up and move them to Dublin. Sure we’ll need very few roads then….great idea!

    181
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Twomey
    Favourite Kevin Twomey
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:47 AM

    People need to accept that, unless their farmers, there is no need to live miles outside the nearest village/town and that it’s totally impractical for both themselves and society at large. If they want to do so then I thinks it’s fair that they look after their own little boreen’s themselves. I say this as someone who lives in such a boreen by the way.

    The way forward for rural communities is for people to stop building in open country side and instead build or buy in the nearest village or small town. This means less dependence on cars, easier to set up efficient rural transport, easier to provide proper power and water supplies, and makes the community stronger and more sustainable as a result.

    People expect to be able to live on top of a mountain, have the road up there maintained perfectly, and be allowed drive up there pissed off their heads after a night in the pub.

    69
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Daly
    Favourite Brian Daly
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 12:11 PM

    Spot on Kevin, well said.

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Robert Callaghan
    Favourite Robert Callaghan
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 12:34 PM

    Why stop there Kevin, sure if we all moved to either Dublin, Cork or Galway we would only need 3 roads in the country. In time and with a little effort we could all be moved to one large urban area which would be most efficient. This is the logical conclusion to your argument?

    97
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Arthuer William Anker
    Favourite Arthuer William Anker
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 12:58 PM

    Hi “Highdensityisbest” from the Indo comments.
    Finally made it over here to drool your fantastical Utopian rubbish I see.

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Max Hennessy
    Favourite Max Hennessy
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 1:09 PM

    Cop on you twit. What kind of mindless rubbish talk are you on about. What are the people who live on or via these roads going to do parachute in and out. Git.

    49
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Strongbow63
    Favourite Strongbow63
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 2:30 PM

    I think there are too many counties, Cavan being one of them. We should just concentrate on the main ones and let counties like Cavan die out.

    84
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Twomey
    Favourite Kevin Twomey
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 6:13 PM

    Where did I mention that everyone should move to Dublin or a large urban area? I said people need to build or buy in their nearest village or small town. It’s what you see in every rural area across Europe, and the developed world and that’s because it’s works a hundred times better. And guess what? Those rural communities are actually surviving, rather than completely dying out.

    These type of responses genuinely piss me off. I’m from a rural area, one which is struggling to maintain services, and I’m passionate about its survival. If I was from the city I wouldn’t give a rats ass. It’s pretty clear to me the my area and places like it will continue to struggle while this is attitude of the majority. Rural places are totally dying yet people will continue to be ignorant of the fundamental reasons why. It’s depressing.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David o Gorman
    Favourite David o Gorman
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 6:34 PM

    Kevin let me start of by asking what would you regard as rural and urban as eu only recognises 5 urban centres in Ireland which are Dublin Waterford cork limerick and Galway and the rest of the country is regarded as rural so basically your saying everyone moves to these urban centres, rural areas of Central Europe would be the equivalent of Kilkenny here in Ireland so before making comments about Europe make sure you get facts right

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Twomey
    Favourite Kevin Twomey
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 8:24 PM

    David,

    With due respect, if you read what I said I clearly stated that people should build and buy homes in their nearest village or small town. I never once suggested people should move to large urban areas.

    Every rural community has a village or small town at its core, and I believe people should be living in these villages and towns rather than in one off houses in the open country side.

    I realise that saying we should let back roads die off sounds provocative but I genuinely believe its the best way forward for rural communities.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David o Gorman
    Favourite David o Gorman
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 9:27 PM

    Kevin
    In theory I agree with what you say but on my experience I live in rural Ireland I can’t ever see myself living in an urban centre I live on a third class road however I live ten mins from a town n five mins from the motorway I realise many parts of rural Ireland don’t have access to resources and if little villages were developed correctly during the boom with hindsight we had an ideal opportunity to develop our resources but we missed an opportunity, if proper planning was administered both urban and rural Ireland could have benefited but we focused on building ghost estates in urban areas and rural Ireland declined

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Curran
    Favourite Sean Curran
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:49 PM

    You must live in Dublin after that comment.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Twomey
    Favourite Kevin Twomey
    Report
    Apr 6th 2013, 12:00 AM

    No, I live in a rural area in west cork actually, in a one off house.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Twomey
    Favourite Kevin Twomey
    Report
    Apr 6th 2013, 12:10 AM

    David,

    Can I ask what benefit you get living 10 minutes from the centre of your local community?

    I’m in the exact situation minus the motorway. I find that I can’t have a drink for fear I have to head out and get anything, can’t go to the pub for fear ill be stranded in the village, have to drive absolutely everywhere for absolutely everything and piss through ridiculous amounts of fuel in the process. I live on a mile long road with two other houses on it, and find it ridiculous that the council are expected to maintain it.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute
    Favourite
    Report
    Apr 6th 2013, 3:44 AM

    Are you for real @kevin Twomey to let back roads die out over time!!! How are thousands of people expected to get to their houses – park on the main road and walk through the fields??! Gowl

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Twomey
    Favourite Kevin Twomey
    Report
    Apr 6th 2013, 5:07 AM

    Good woman. Don’t even put a name up but throw around teenage insults.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Mac
    Favourite John Mac
    Report
    Apr 6th 2013, 11:27 AM

    @Strongbow: You get a gold star for that comment.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lavinia
    Favourite Lavinia
    Report
    Apr 6th 2013, 3:38 PM

    Kevin. You defend your comments by saying you live in d countryside, bt your obviously not happy there, y dont u move?
    Regarding maintaining own roads, many local communities wud luv to bt its illegal, theres insurance, proper training and a whole barrel of issues there thats why we pay motor tax so its clear whose responsibility it is etc etc
    U say People who are nt farmers shud nt live in d country, thats bizzare, lets draw a line under that.
    Benefits to living in the country are obvious and I cud make a list a mile long. Nights out can be a hassle sorting lifts home bt for me positives outweigh negatives A MILLION TIMES OVER. I moved from the town centre to the country side 1yr ago and ill never go bak.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colm McDonagh
    Favourite Colm McDonagh
    Report
    Apr 8th 2013, 12:32 AM

    I recently spent the guts of €800 to replace abs sensors destroyed by hitting a pothole on a primary road. And I’m being charged €800 per annum to use these dirttracks? Think I’ll just declare my car off the road from now on. Indefinitely!

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Francie mc nally
    Favourite Francie mc nally
    Report
    Apr 8th 2013, 11:50 AM

    The aul ballybay cootill road, there was many a wheel buckled on that road and plently of shocks destroyed

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Hunt
    Favourite John Hunt
    Report
    Jul 22nd 2013, 1:11 PM

    well kevin should realise that approximately 75percent of dwellers outside the capital live in urban areas in villages towns and cities thats roughly 2and a half million people .i suppose most people if they had a choice would prefer the bonus and the pluses that go with living in a detached property rather than the discomfort of being a concretr block away from your neighbour however nice he or she may be

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Hunt
    Favourite John Hunt
    Report
    Aug 29th 2014, 4:52 AM

    AND OF COURSE IF INDOS IAN O DOHERTY HAD HIS WAY EVERYONE SHOULD LIVE IN THE MUCK HOLE THAT HE COMES FROM WHAT AN URBAN PEASANT

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Isaac Hunt
    Favourite Isaac Hunt
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:25 AM

    Get rid of this tax, it’s just another level of bureaucracy, calculate all the car tax collected in a year, divide that by the number of litres of fuel sold every year and ad that to the excise duty. It would free up Garda time and meant those who used also paid.

    191
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute grease lightening
    Favourite grease lightening
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:26 AM

    Excellent idea Isaac! If I remember correctly they’ve been operating like that in France for years. Our government only take on ideas from other countries if they are to the detriment of its people!

    55
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat Mcgoo
    Favourite Pat Mcgoo
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 7:07 PM

    Aren’t we paying 2/3 of the price of a tank of petrol in tax already ?.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ciaran O Shea
    Favourite Ciaran O Shea
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:27 AM

    Seemed to make sense until they said a fee might be brought in to declare the car off the road. That just seems like another cheap shot at owners who can’t afford to maintain their vehicles any longer!

    173
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Damien Ruth
    Favourite Damien Ruth
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:37 AM

    It was mentioned recently that the charge would be 25 euro!! What a rip, why does it suddenly cost 25 quid for a service that is now free!! Currently if your car is off the road for a period and hasn’t been taxed all u need do is call to a Garda station to get a form signed & stamped, and this is free!! Now they want to charge us for what is essentially the same system!!

    96
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Little Jim
    Favourite Little Jim
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:19 AM

    So can I go in and predict a breakdown will happen and avoid a bit of tax?

    164
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Simon Barnes
    Favourite Simon Barnes
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:23 AM

    I think if your car broke down you would want to fix it and not be off the road,, I would imagine this rule would apply to those that are out of the country for a few months working or training, or even emigrating and not sure if they will be back.
    You also still have the one month from expiry to renew your tax,

    49
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Little Jim
    Favourite Little Jim
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:35 AM

    (it won’t really be broken down!)

    47
    See 13 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan Cotter
    Favourite Declan Cotter
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:52 AM

    Ahh we all know people have abused this for years and years… Its a loop hole… Close it and move on… No story here

    143
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cliff Grebouwski
    Favourite Cliff Grebouwski
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:00 AM

    Why are people giving Declan red thumbs- he’s 100% right?!?!

    51
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Liam Donohoe
    Favourite Liam Donohoe
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:15 AM

    Already the law is that if you are driving without a valid tax disc you can have the vehicle immediately impounded.
    So if you’ve told a porkie there Jim and then take her out for a spin you can still be done.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark O Malley
    Favourite Mark O Malley
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:47 AM

    The people giving the red thumbs are probably taking advantage of this loophole.

    49
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute martin hession
    Favourite martin hession
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 1:19 PM

    The gardai aren’t invoicing the law at the moment with their protest… I won’t be buying car tax any time soon..

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Little Jim
    Favourite Little Jim
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 1:25 PM

    Eh, I can see a brand new loophole.
    Car off the road, certified.
    Drives away happily.
    Check point two months later, just picked her up boss, here’s the cert, going straight to tax her now.

    87
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ADEBAYO FLYNN BITCH
    Favourite ADEBAYO FLYNN BITCH
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 1:28 PM

    “No story here”

    10k views and counting says different.

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute MrKnow
    Favourite MrKnow
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 7:34 PM

    Not really, by right any driver is entitled to a month in loo to give you time to get your money and documents sorted.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Ward
    Favourite John Ward
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:32 PM

    @Mr Know:
    A month in loo?
    Must have been vindaloo!

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrice Auburn
    Favourite Patrice Auburn
    Report
    Apr 6th 2013, 10:18 AM

    Invoicing??

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lavinia
    Favourite Lavinia
    Report
    Apr 6th 2013, 6:38 PM

    Its spelt “lieu” Mr Know. I dont usually correct peoples spellings. Its fine with me as long as the meaning is understood. Bt I dont think u get the vindaloo joke and its just so much more funny cos ur Mr.Know!

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joseph Siddall
    Favourite Joseph Siddall
    Report
    May 26th 2013, 5:05 PM

    This system already exists in IK. SORN is the name; Statutory Off-Road Notification. Cost is nil BUT vehicle still has to insured whilst off the road and big fine for not being insured or driving on the road, except directly to have the vehicle officially tested if it needs an MOT test prior to going back on the road.
    The Irish government just keep on copying the UK and they both keep on trying to up the tax take from us, the great unwashed.
    Of course, if Motor Tax were abolished and replaced with more fuel tax then there would be no need to add this new bit of legislation which will probably create more non-productive admin jobs………and cost.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joseph Siddall
    Favourite Joseph Siddall
    Report
    May 26th 2013, 5:06 PM

    UK, not IK. Doh.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ADEBAYO FLYNN BITCH
    Favourite ADEBAYO FLYNN BITCH
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:18 AM

    Ah yes the ol’ skip-a-roo. This is bad news for the pay 3 months wait a month gang.

    138
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dilcos
    Favourite Dilcos
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:02 AM

    Change. Your. Picture. Back.

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ADEBAYO FLYNN BITCH
    Favourite ADEBAYO FLYNN BITCH
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:14 AM

    ok ok ok.

    After the reaction the other night I said I’d change it but It wont upload for some reason yet its all over my twitter.

    I feel like a piece of meat sometimes…

    37
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Leslie Alan Rock
    Favourite Leslie Alan Rock
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 12:08 PM

    Don’t change it for dilcos/shaw.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ADEBAYO FLYNN BITCH
    Favourite ADEBAYO FLYNN BITCH
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 12:18 PM

    I’m doin it for the kids

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mohamad oconnor
    Favourite mohamad oconnor
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 1:22 PM

    Keep it fresh adebayo!!

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan
    Favourite Declan
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:29 AM

    Good news for motorists since we subsidise to the tune of 55 million euro according to Big Phil. That must mean then that motor tax rates will now drop as we won’t be subsiding the stallers anymore. Yeah right, more propaganda from this money grabbing government.

    133
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mjhint
    Favourite Mjhint
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:15 AM

    You poor serf.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Twomey
    Favourite Kevin Twomey
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:21 AM

    3 months is notice is far too much. A guy could have to go abroad for work at a weeks notice FFS. Or a car could break down suddenly and be off the road for a long while after.

    Another thing that has to be brought in, but once again Phil makes it controversial for the sake of it. A councillor who’s gotten promoted above his station due to party loyalty.

    116
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Simon Barnes
    Favourite Simon Barnes
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:31 AM

    I think your missing the point
    “Within a month of a tax disc expiring, the owner of a vehicle will be able to indicate in advance that their car could be off the road for between three and 12 months.”

    unless i’m interpreting it wrong –

    If your tax has not expired then you have no claim. there is no rebate for car tax in this country. but if your tax expires you have one month to either renew it or declare it off the road for between 3 – 12 months. ( 3 months being the minimum you can renew your tax for.

    Good move by the government and long long overdue.

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin Twomey
    Favourite Kevin Twomey
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:02 AM

    They were saying 3 months notice on newstalk this morning so that’s what I was going off.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mohamad oconnor
    Favourite mohamad oconnor
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:23 AM

    Changing the ownership cancels any back tax! Maybe my wife owns the car!!

    110
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ADEBAYO FLYNN BITCH
    Favourite ADEBAYO FLYNN BITCH
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:31 AM

    Gonna be seeing a lot of cars with 42 owners so..

    Woka woka

    82
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dec Rowe
    Favourite Dec Rowe
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:33 AM

    Shhhhhh! FFS! :p

    46
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dublinhitman
    Favourite Dublinhitman
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 1:00 PM

    Can you do that if your tax has slipped , just change the ownership ???

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ADEBAYO FLYNN BITCH
    Favourite ADEBAYO FLYNN BITCH
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 3:17 PM

    Yes you can.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dec Rowe
    Favourite Dec Rowe
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 4:29 PM

    Tut! Suuuuusssssh!

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mohamad oconnor
    Favourite mohamad oconnor
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:20 AM

    Sire the Garda will be on strike soon enough so that should buy me some time! Should have never bought that SL !!

    70
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jack Bauer
    Favourite Jack Bauer
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:30 AM

    I’m glad they are bringing this in. My tax is €700 per year and some people think they can drive around without paying theirs.

    51
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Little Jim
    Favourite Little Jim
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:38 AM

    It’s not my fault my car will break down on a specific date in the future.

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jack Bauer
    Favourite Jack Bauer
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 2:09 PM

    I didn’t say it was

    5
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Francie mc nally
    Favourite Francie mc nally
    Report
    Apr 8th 2013, 11:56 AM

    Just don’t pay your tax either jack, it will save you €700 lad

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eddie Walsh
    Favourite Eddie Walsh
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:46 AM

    More spin from Hogan and then the punch line..
    FEE which won’t initially be applied..
    Bla Bla Bla Bla Bla

    51
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Robin Hilliard
    Favourite Robin Hilliard
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:25 AM

    Motor tax, and the large bureaucracy that’s needed to administer, collect and enforce it, should be abandoned and the revenue collected from an increase in fuel prices instead.

    50
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eddie Walsh
    Favourite Eddie Walsh
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:49 AM

    Road tax and insurance should all apply to the fuel..
    The more use it the more you pay..
    Licences driver in a vehicle is automatically insured..
    The more you use the road the more you will have to pay..

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shamira McKinley
    Favourite Shamira McKinley
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:20 AM

    Live next door to a guard… No tax on his car since last april! If its good enough for him ….

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marcus Doherty
    Favourite Marcus Doherty
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 1:10 PM

    Look, if there was a fairer taxation system it would definitely reduce the number of people abusing the current setup.
    It’s nothing short of discrimination against road users who cannot afford to come up to a “08″ and avail of the cheaper road tax.
    In most cases there is little or no difference in the emissions between a 04 2.0l TD and its 08 equivelant but there’s almost €500+ in the difference in road tax…….Give us a break!

    39
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jeff Nolan
    Favourite Jeff Nolan
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:30 AM

    So I have to declare that my car will break down in six weeks time – nice one Dumbass Hogan

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Daly
    Favourite Brian Daly
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:38 AM

    Why would you need to do that?

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cliff Grebouwski
    Favourite Cliff Grebouwski
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:43 AM

    Yes Jeff, that’s exactly what this policy means.

    Can I suggest that thejournal implements a “Facepalm” button, in addition to the Green and Red Thumbs….?

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kim Keoghan
    Favourite Kim Keoghan
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:21 AM

    Because when you’re lying in a hospital bed suffering severe injuries or illness , the first thing you think of is ‘ Oh I better declare my car off the road ‘ huh ??????

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lavinia
    Favourite Lavinia
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:39 AM

    If u had ur motor tax paid and then ended up in hospital, you dont get money bak. If ur tax lapses while ur in hospital u renew it wen u come out but instead of saying the car was off road and getting away with a free couple of months u jus pay from the date ur last disc ended.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kim Keoghan
    Favourite Kim Keoghan
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:49 AM

    Why would I pay tax from when the last disc ended ? If I’ve been in hospital for 2 months , the car tax had expired during this period , but I didn’t declare I was about to have an accident ?!

    6
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fozz
    Favourite Fozz
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 2:55 PM

    Kim, you can’t please everyone and the number of people who will have their tax elapse just as they spend a lengthy period in hospital is negligible.
    There will always be those such as yourself who bring up the exceptions but the laws and regulations have to cover the main use cases.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lavinia
    Favourite Lavinia
    Report
    Apr 6th 2013, 3:56 PM

    Hypothetically My tax is due for renewal in august. I go into hospital tomorrow for two months april and may, my car is off d road. I dont write and say gimme a 2 month refund. I actually dont even think about the 2 months tax I paid for and didnt get I wudnt even cross my mind!
    If I was to be hospitalised for the months of august and september id let my tax lapse and renew it in october. 2 free months just because of good timing.
    When d law comes in: I end up in hospital in july. My partner opens my post and says…”ur tax is due for renewal” I can then fill out that my car will be off the road for the next month or whatever
    Do u see my point? This legislation wud not really impact honest people in short term situations

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mark Dunne
    Favourite Mark Dunne
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:28 AM

    Forget about this tripe on your car breaking down….most normal situations are you GET IT FIXED and continue using it.
    But what about seasonal vehicles eg Campervans, recreational seasonal vehicles, trucks used on farms during summer months only, vans 4×4′s etc that are used for work, but if your out of work they’re off the road …….there’s loads of examples of this category!!! Are we now expected to pay a fee to have these vehicles parked up in storage…..WTF?????

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Derek Boyle
    Favourite Derek Boyle
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:37 AM

    That would be the bottom line.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Hartigan
    Favourite John Hartigan
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 12:12 PM

    Scrap hogan before he does any more damage to. The Irish people

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute grease lightening
    Favourite grease lightening
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:36 AM

    So we can look forward to a big drop in payments when all this extra money comes in! Not!

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mohamad oconnor
    Favourite mohamad oconnor
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:56 AM

    Sorry grease my chubby fingers gave you a red thumb instead of a green!

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute grease lightening
    Favourite grease lightening
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:03 AM

    No worries Mo, B happy!

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rob Henderson Jr
    Favourite Rob Henderson Jr
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 1:26 PM

    I heard for an extra €25 they’ll appoint a psychic to you to accurately predict your next breakdown . F**kin clowns .

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bobby Heade
    Favourite Bobby Heade
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 1:46 PM

    Make the ability to pay via direct debit and stop increasing quarterly amounts disproportionately for a start. Always easier to punish people and make them do all the work than sort it themselves. Govt , revenue etc

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dawn Keeballs
    Favourite Dawn Keeballs
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:14 AM

    The UK have had this SORN System for years. The police and traffic cameras are given the database of vehicles declared off the road. If the vehicle is stopped driving during the SORN period you are giving the choice back tax and £1000 fine or have the car crushed.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dawn Keeballs
    Favourite Dawn Keeballs
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:25 AM

    Just looked at the proposed offences it will be a class B fine. That’s €4000 on conviction

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Arthuer William Anker
    Favourite Arthuer William Anker
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 1:08 PM

    Be proably cheaper for me to have the car scrapped.its not worth 1000 quid or even 500 anymore.

    So this should be the plan.Just buy the biggest cheapest car thats going for about 500 quid.
    Dont bother with tax or NCT just insurance. If you are stopped admit freely you havent got tax or NCT and will refuse to pay it.Let the Gaurds confiscate it and deal with storage fees,transport fees and whatever.You will be out 500 plus your insurance policy which you can cancel there and then as the vechicle is now states evidence and you are not obliged to insure state property. You have lost about 500 to 1000 euros,not the worst by any standard.Considering the costs of owning,taxing,insuring,NCTing,being ripped off by garages on service costs,buying spare parts etc.
    The State will have a big bill in dealing with all these junkers,the second large car market starts moving again
    We win,and they loose for once.

    46
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerard
    Favourite Gerard
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 2:37 PM

    And what about the court fine and conviction?? U really haven’t thought it through. 2/3 convictions for no nct and no road tax is a month in the joy! Plus resit your driving test.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Francie mc nally
    Favourite Francie mc nally
    Report
    Apr 8th 2013, 11:59 AM

    Good man Arthuer, then go to the auction and buy your car back for €100 and repeat

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute run amuck
    Favourite run amuck
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 3:26 PM

    I see rte have not reported this unpopular report ??????

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lavinia
    Favourite Lavinia
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:32 AM

    Im confused? This actually seems to be making sense….am I missing something? Are the government doing something logical?!?

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Derek Boyle
    Favourite Derek Boyle
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:39 AM

    It makes sense until the bit about a small fee for saying its not on the road..then it just all breaks down into money grabbing goverment..ie your going away for 9 months and in order for the goverment not to consider your car which is parked in your driveway as on the road you will be charged a small fee…E25 or so.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lavinia
    Favourite Lavinia
    Report
    Apr 6th 2013, 4:04 PM

    Ya! Well theyll never make complete sense they always hav to add an element of government greed!

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michelle KingwasMaher
    Favourite Michelle KingwasMaher
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 1:27 PM

    Isn’t this amazing, yet when we pay road tax most of our roads are not drivable due to potholes, rough or uneven edging, and let’s not forget a lack of salt when the weather is bad.
    This winter alone two of my friends have had to replace tyres due to a pothole and a manhole cover.
    After contacting the council with photos etc they were told unless the pothole was a certain depth there is nothing they can do and as for the manhole they could find it “impossible” to think it would do that damage.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute darragh minogue
    Favourite darragh minogue
    Report
    Apr 8th 2013, 11:22 AM

    The way I see it in Ireland is.
    The more well off are far better off in so many ways.
    With road tax for example:
    If you are well off you will probably drive a 2008 or newer car so the road tax will be lower than the same emissions from an older car. What I would suggest there is on older cars, when the NCT is done the emissions are tested and recorded let the road tax be calculated from the test report.

    Also if you are in the well off or better off bracket then you can probably afford to pay your motor tax for the year which I have no issue with and have done when I could, but if you can’t afford to and pay every 3 months then you are hit with interest on your payment. Why do this?
    As we are talking about road tax I won’t even go down the road of every other way the Irish Goverment are hitting the less well off and not the better off… Well not as hard anyway…

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute darragh minogue
    Favourite darragh minogue
    Report
    Apr 8th 2013, 11:32 AM

    Michelle I ment to say I agree with you as regards to the potholes, I had a similar issue a while back burst a tyre and damaged my wheel and when I contacted Clare county council I got told that the pothole had to be reported 3 days prior to when I hit it before I could make a claim. So how could I know if it was reported or was I, the same as the road tax know 3 days before I hit it and report it!!

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seamus Foskin
    Favourite Seamus Foskin
    Report
    Apr 6th 2013, 2:46 AM

    you know what the funny part of all this is. the fact that hogan is blaming a drop in road tax revenue on people evading road tax. are he and his colleges in dail eireann really so deluded that they cannot see what is going on here. if you are unemployed of which more then 15 percent of the country is then there is no way to afford to run a car. this is a message to Phil idiotic hogan the drop in revenue is due to a drop in income and the fact that it is no longer affordable for a lot of people to run any car. i cant see myself getting back on the road again in this country for a long long time if ever

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Daly
    Favourite Brian Daly
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:37 AM

    It’s about time that this is brought in. Gardai shouldn’t be out checking for car tax or insurance it should be a database driven system as it is the UK. It’s taking up valuable policing time. I have also heard that data from road toll cameras will also be used to enforce car tax.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colin Frawley
    Favourite Colin Frawley
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 8:03 PM

    @Brian, good idea, perhaps it will free up time to chase real criminals, like the ones who bankrupted the state instead of targeting innocent motorists. Yeah, and I’m the Pope

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gary garyson
    Favourite Gary garyson
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 10:48 AM

    Can u still get away with one month so ?

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sue McDonagh
    Favourite Sue McDonagh
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 12:40 PM

    • For three months after next August, motorists will have to regularise their affairs. All arrears must be paid, with interest of 8.3pc, and the car then declared off the road.

    Just noted this point in the Independent, does this mean if you car is currently off the road, you will have to pay back tax and then declare it off the road; penalizing people because they don’t have a system in place already?

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shit you not
    Favourite Shit you not
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 12:35 PM

    Easy way round this is change the ownership of the car to a spouse, bro or sis..there’s always a way to avoid this so why not put it on the fuel? NCT as a requirement for insurance coinciding renewal dates and have just an insurance disk only on your car..makes it easier for everyone.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute R Neuville
    Favourite R Neuville
    Report
    Apr 8th 2013, 10:30 PM

    The Irish now live in a Taxocracy not a Democracy!
    You only have your Vote to blame!

    …………………………………………………………………
    60% of Meath East people were too lazy to vote!

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Joseph McDermott
    Favourite John Joseph McDermott
    Report
    Jun 7th 2013, 10:36 PM

    “60% of Meath East people were too lazy to vote!”
    That is why the same coterie of Ratbags keep getting back into power.!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sarah Murphy
    Favourite Sarah Murphy
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 3:00 PM

    As someone who pays my road tax, I’m delighted that those who think they’re too important to have to pay it like the rest of us, will now find it more difficult to get off scot free!!

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marcus Doherty
    Favourite Marcus Doherty
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 4:32 PM

    Just out of curiosity Sarah, how much road tax are you paying? We pay over 2 grand a year.. Its easy for some more than others.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sarah Murphy
    Favourite Sarah Murphy
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 4:59 PM

    In fairness, I’m thinking of someone I know personally who can well afford it but chooses to buy ugg boots and foreign holidays instead. Those are the people I’m talking about.

    5
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Galway
    Favourite James Galway
    Report
    Jul 22nd 2013, 10:40 AM

    Why not buy smaller cars??

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul McKenna
    Favourite Paul McKenna
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:50 PM

    Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) works well in the North! In fairness the tax is significantly cheaper,but the system works a treat,and the sooner it’s employed in the Republic, the better!!!

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jacques Decharnay
    Favourite Jacques Decharnay
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 3:22 PM

    The government’s revenue hunters have found yet another loophole to exploit. But nothing is said of the shambolic road tax -office system. Road tax offices are few and far between throughout the city, and this antiquated system of take a ticket and wait to pay is out -dated. Perhaps in the 70′s the privelidge to go and queue to have road tax actually meant something. I know it can be paid online – but like all government websites the user-friendly appeal is just not there. It should be payable like a tv licence, people should have the luxury of paying obligatory state fines, taxes or bills in the same manor. ATM’s, banks, through secure easy to use websites and or shops etc.
    In France the road tax is paid -part of the Insurance for vehicles, so maybe the objective should be to model the system on the EU model? oh…. and of course, the French road taxes cost FAR less than the Irish!

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute declan costello
    Favourite declan costello
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 4:08 PM

    Another huge blow to the Motor Industry’s if they add a charge to the new “service”.Every car that is traded in would need to be declared “off the road”.This could lead to further job losses in a already struggling industry.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Morgan Finucane
    Favourite Morgan Finucane
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 7:18 PM

    Simple, my vehicle may be off the road for the next 12 months. It might not either……. Nothing more than more form filling for us to do. Maybe Phil Hogan ought to declare his stock holding in paper mills….

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute john o'dwyer
    Favourite john o'dwyer
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 11:59 PM

    Wow if anyone out there can predict that their car will be off the road before the tax runs out can they also give me the numners for the lotto too because if anyone can predict that their car will be off the road for any lenght of time they must be able to see into the future!!! Wow our govt must be total asses to think anyone can know when their car will break down!

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute MrKnow
    Favourite MrKnow
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 7:41 PM

    The max amount of time should be 30 days when your tax runs out, the month in loo is to give people time to get time of work and have your documents ready. Anything pass 2 months should fall under this new law. But as usual the governments money grabbing tactics will effect genuine people in hardship. The fake tax disc business might do well out of this, like the NCT scam.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Renata Necioniene
    Favourite Renata Necioniene
    Report
    Oct 14th 2013, 2:30 PM

    Road tax is stupid think,if l driving a year 1000 km and l have to pay for my car 600e and the some people driving a year 10000km and tax is well 600e. Shut be right up fuel price for road tax as in some countrys and no separate road tax.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute James Galway
    Favourite James Galway
    Report
    Jul 22nd 2013, 10:37 AM

    Why not just do as some other places have done, do away with road tax and put say 4 cent on petrol/diesel to cover road tax, that way everybody who uses a vehicle would be paying road tax, The government would be assured of getting the money and also it would be similar to what we pay now, the bigger the engine the more fuel it burns.
    I come from a place where this was done years ago, saved a lot of agro, police time etc.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Lynch
    Favourite Brian Lynch
    Report
    Nov 21st 2013, 11:43 AM

    The new regulation says that the owner of the car has to notify the department that the vehicle will be off the road
    before the tax expires. That is the vehicle has to be off the road while taxed.
    In the interest of fairness and equity, the car tax department should then refund the balance of unused tax to the owner.
    The Government cant have it both ways.

    In other countries one can cancel car tax and then recieve a refund for the unused tax.

    Cheers
    B Lynch

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hugh Mellerick
    Favourite Hugh Mellerick
    Report
    Mar 11th 2016, 10:37 PM

    Brian,
    There are an absolute MULTITUDE of unfair aspects to our car tax, but government ministers don’t care. It reminds me of Fast Food Nation and Kris Kristofferson:
    “This isn’t about good people versus bad people. It’s about the machine that has taken over this country. It’s like something outta science fiction. The land, the cattle, human beings…. this machine don’t give a shit. Pennies a pound. Pennies a pound. That’s all it cares about. A few more pennies a pound.”

    Due to the lack of direct democracy in our political system, whereby we can’t 100,000 of us demand a referendum on a certain aspect of law or legislation, the current parliamentary system allows those MUPPETS who are elected in for their own personal ends, to act with absolute IMPUNITY, and bully us bully us bully us. It’s not a democracy if *WE* don’t have a say. It’s just a goddamn musical chairs with a bunch of the same tramps playing. Same shit, different face.
    We just don’t have democracy in Ireland. Pennies a pound….just some more pennies rrrrrrrrrrripped from someone’s basic food and heat budget for the week, brutishly, indifferently, to be thrown into the coffers and maintain a minimum extravagant wage for the boys.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Joseph McDermott
    Favourite John Joseph McDermott
    Report
    Jun 7th 2013, 10:32 PM

    Is he not some boll**ks.!
    Legislation allows for a fee to be paid by people like myself who spend six months out of Ireland every year and do not want to pay road tax while my car is laid up.!
    Stealth tax sh*te on everything.!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eddie Lyons
    Favourite Eddie Lyons
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 5:23 PM

    Sounds no different than the Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN) that you must make in the UK if you are keeping a car off the road and don’t want to tax it. I did it myself for a year while I couldn’t afford to keep a car on the road — all very straightforward. If you don’t use a SORN, you have to pay tax on the vehicle even if it is not on the road. A SORN last for up to 12 months. When it expires, you either renew it for another period if the vehicle is still off the road, or pay the tax.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Robert Kelly
    Favourite Robert Kelly
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 4:58 PM

    If there is anyone here in the know enough, I need some advice about this new change.

    I am studying abroad. I went to the Garda station to take my car off the road in January and the Officer said that all I need to do is let the tax run out and then bring the form back when I want to bring the car back on to the road which will be around June or July.

    If this change comes in, do you guys and gals think I need to get back home or get someone at home to get the form filled out now or would I get able to get it sorted as I can prove I live out of Ireland and have a University place etc. I guess some sort of retrospective thing would need to be sorted out for people like me while we transition to the new way of doing things. I was home for a few days and noticed the final tax reminder for my wagon if that has any bearing on any of the new changes.

    Tax wise, I would love to see an across the board emissions tax. My car would be 300ish quid less the 673 I currently pay but that is exactly why they would not bring it in. They would lose too much.

    I drive 10,000 miles a “normal” year. If they did tax by fuel and they aimed to get the same tax off of me then 0.673 cent per mile. Each fill of my tank gives me 550 careful miles so I would pay about 37.02 euro extra per fill up That works out as less than the 20 cent per liter Noonan has said would be charged so that means the tax for a 08 and onwards car will go up a lot, as would mine but by 3 cent a liter.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lavinia
    Favourite Lavinia
    Report
    Apr 6th 2013, 4:05 PM

    I love reading through all these comments. We Irish love a good moan!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colin Frawley
    Favourite Colin Frawley
    Report
    Apr 5th 2013, 5:44 PM

    Wow, i emigrated 3 years ago and my 07 car as not been driven since.Tax expired around August 2012. Wonder how much that is going to cost should I ever return?

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hugh Mellerick
    Favourite Hugh Mellerick
    Report
    Mar 11th 2016, 10:25 PM

    I, and many others I’m sure, who are *not* “evaders”, are now caught in an indefinite debt loop by this outrageous new law. I’m sure that it is more the case than not, that a car owner has to declare the car off road without any advance warning from life’s misfortunes, especially even more so in the current climate.
    I just ran out of money, struggled on for another 3 months, thinking that I might be able to get the money together to pay the 3 months arrears (charged at an unfair premium rate), and obviously be paying the ’3 months in advance’. I couldn’t get the money together due to our fairly bad financial circumstances.
    Now, I have been told that I can’t declare the car off the road until I pay money that I don’t have. The longer I don’t have it, the more of it accrues – WITHOUT ALLOWING ME TO EVEN USE THE SERVICE THAT I’M PAYING so extortionately for.
    So if you’re poor, and don’t have the money, you are forced into a debt-loop to the government, extorted into owing more money to the government which conceivably could run into the thousands!!! And I STILL am not legally allowed to use my car to get to college and collect my little man (above). Ludicrous!!
    I emailed the minister to formally declare the car is off the road. I’m sure it must have some legal standing, even if the government are trying to trample over ALL our statutory rights; rights like not being forced into ever-increasing debt by the state.
    Can anyone help?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Poole
    Favourite Alan Poole
    Report
    Sep 30th 2013, 1:25 PM

    If I buy a car that hasnt been taxed will I have to pay back tax ?

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds