By Owen Ryan
SHANNON is being neglected, the April meeting of the town council heard.
Complaints arose after a letter was sent to the council that ruled out bringing a motor tax service to Shannon.
At a previous meeting of the town council, a motion was passed requesting that the county council open a motor tax service locally.
However, the letter from the council ruled that out.
“Motor tax services are available online at www.motortax.ie. Year-on-year, the county-wide take-up of online motor taxing is growing, with a 46% increase in the proportion of online usage between January 2011 and January 2014.
“For the month of January 2014, 13,715 motor tax transactions for County Clare were processed, of which 56% were handled online, with the balance transacted by post or over the counter in Ennis or Ennistymon.
“The delivery of motor taxation nationally is currently being reviewed, as part of the national service efficiency reform agenda. Until the direction of national policy is clarified, an expansion of the service delivery points for motor taxation in the county is not currently under consideration.”
Councillor Sean McLoughlin said that there are many local people who may not be computer-literate. He stated that the county council should be asked to look at the matter again.
Labour’s Tony McMahon said he felt Shannon is “being neglected and nearly discriminated against”.
He said that it can be difficult for people to get to Ennis and he added that if motor tax can be provided at other area offices, why not at Shannon.
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.