Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has pledged to help protect homeowners from rises in property tax rates.

Fine Gael TD Josepha Madigan welcomed the announcement and said it is a major issue for homeowners in Dublin and Rathdown.

Deputy Madigan said: "Local Property Tax has been a priority of mine throughout my time as a public representative.

"I voted to retain the 15% reduction for Dún Laoghaire Rathdown when I was a councillor and I raised the issue in my very first speech in Dáil Éireann in April 2016.

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"It is my view that high and increasing property values mean that under the current system a disproportionate property tax burden falls on homeowners in Dublin Rathdown and other constituencies with similar property markets. For many, incomes simply cannot keep pace with rising property values.

"People in my constituency, like the rest of the country, are doing their best to make a living in a recovering economy. However, they cannot be hit with exorbitant property tax hikes from outside influences.

"Local Property Tax rates are currently frozen at 2013 property values but a revaluation is due in 2019.

"As property prices have already increased significantly and are likely to continue to rise, the possibility of a major hike in tax has been of great concern for some time.

"An Taoiseach's comments, therefore, are highly welcome and indicate that this Government will not allow substantial property tax hikes."

(CD/MH)