Speaking at the November Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council, Independent Councillor Donal Barry, has claimed that people in Waterford have to travel to Dublin or Cork to meet an Revenue official in person.
He said this unacceptable as many vulnerable people need an in-person service close to home.
“The Revenue office in Waterford previously operated with reduced opening hours to the public, offering access through a telephone service. However during the COVID the office closed fully and never re-opened,” Cllr. Barry said.
“Recently Revenue issued about 77,000 letters to old age pensioners around the country, it caused considerable worry and distress to many, and then the property tax letters were issued.
“The service currently available to the people of Waterford is not suitable to many particularly in our elderly population, there are often long delays on phone lines and the alternative is not suitable for those with no computer skills.
“If a person from Waterford wished to meet with Revenue officials in person they now must make an appointment to travel to Dublin or Cork. This is completely unacceptable. Many elderly, ill or frail individuals are unable to make such journeys,” he added.
Cllr. Barry has called on the Council to contact the Secretary General and seek that the Revenue office on the Glen in Waterford City be reopened.
“It is unreasonable to expect vulnerable people to travel long distances for essential tax or pension matters. I think Revenue should urgently restore an in-person service in Waterford,” Cllr. Barry concluded.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
I couldn’t agree more. Another example of Waterfordians being treated like second class citizens again.
Its disgtacful tax office still closed for last 4 years needs to be opened asap
Waterford loses out every time. No support for the airport, no support for local project’s, and don’t ask about road upgrades 😡
I couldn’t agree with you more, I just wonder while the tax offices were closed did the employees get payed?
Absolutely. This is ridiculous and unfair. A lot of pensioners are vulnerable and can’t make these journeys.
Very well said couldn’t agree more 👏
Unbelievable how the heck did this happen?Does.Mary Butler and Cummins know about this?What about the shinners?The OAPs should get on their bikes cycle up to Cork and complain.Disgusting.
It’s the same in Limerick,office closed since COVID,totally gone now
Absolutely correct. Deaf people, including deaf pensioners in Waterford, face even more serious difficulties. They cannot communicate over the phone to sort out matters such as tax, LPT, and other essential services. Face-to-face meetings are crucial for them. Thank you, Donal, for raising awareness.