Some people have paid, some haven't but most are of the view that it's an unfair charge. Property tax is very much a talking point locally as the deadline for registering by May 28 looms.

Kieran O'Connor from Bandon, who was working in Fermoy this week, said he hadn't paid his yet and didn't realise the deadline was coming up so quick. "I think it's disgraceful," he said. Asked if he intended paying, he stressed that he objected to the charge and will "have to be dragged kicking and screaming" to pay it. He also said that, from a financial viewpoint, he'd be paying it "with some difficulty."

Margaret O'Sullivan from Rathcormac hasn't paid it yet either and also thinks it's "disgraceful". When told the deadline for registering is Tuesday next, she enquired about how to pay, asking if it can be paid through the post office. It can. Payment can also be done online and at other payment service providers, Omnivend and at Payzone at shops and outlets displaying the logo; or people can opt to have it deducted from their pay or from social welfare payments. To have it deducted at source however, people must register online before May 28.

"I have mine paid," said Ned Cummins from Kilglass, Mitchelstown. "No-one likes paying but we have to or it'll be taken out of our wages," he pointed out. He didn't agree with the valuation put on his property but managed to get it reduced after looking into it.

Karl Wycherley from Clonakilty, who was also working in Fermoy this week, was another who felt the charge was unfair, and difficult to pay on top of other levies imposed on income.

"We have paid ours. There's a lot of confusion about it though. It's definitely an unfair charge," said Stephen Barry from Sheepwalk, Fermoy. Anna Buttimer from Watergrasshill has paid the charge as well but feels it was a payment she and her husband could have done without.

A number of people asked by The Avondhu this week, were residents of local authority houses, and, as such, weren't eligible for the charge. It was clear, in speaking to them, that they were relieved and considered themselves lucky not to have to incur the charge.

Pat Flynn from Kilworth said the principle was good. "I do believe in the principle of a wealth tax, that those who have more, pay more but I know it is hard for people with mortgages etc. It might have been more equitable to introduce it at another time maybe." He has paid the charge.

Margaret Corcoran from Fermoy is another who has paid but she doesn't agree with the charge. "What'll they tax us with next. Will they charge us for coming out our doors?" She and her husband are pensioners and they found the charge expensive, she explained. "It'll probably be more next year," she remarked ruefully.

"I have paid. I have no problem with it. It's the law of the land," said one man in Fermoy who didn't wish to be named. He felt his valuation was correct and "a reasonable amount."

Mallow man Barry Murphy hasn't yet paid the charge and doesn't want to pay it. "We're being ordered into it. It's too much, people just don't have it," he said.

"I have paid but I didn't want to pay, I think it's an unfair tax," said Declan O'Mahony from Fermoy.

Aileen McCarthy from Fermoy, who owns The Doll's House clothing store in Mitchelstown said that while she has paid the charge, she feels it is another burden on people. "It affects retailers, it's taking more money out of the economy," she pointed out.

Anyone who hasn't yet paid and wants help or advice in doing so can call 1890 200 255, e-mail lpt@revenue.ie or write to LPT Branch, P.O. Box 1, Limerick.

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