I was led to believe that one had to change the registration within six months of moving to the Republic. Some I know have lived in the same house for years without changing the car registration. I can understand the reasons from their point of view why they have moved to Donegal - cheaper houses and laxer planning regulations if they wish to build their own property, no Council taxes to pay, no water rates (soon to be introduced in the North), household waste taken back to the North free of charge, change cars without paying VRT, thus purchasing them much cheaper.

From the point of view of loss of revenue in the South it is of course a different matter. The fact is that the shortfall of revenue not being contributed by these individuals has to be made up by people living in Donegal through national taxes.

I don't know the legal position with these people. It may well be that it is all above board. I do however wonder if the car insurance is valid, because I imagine that on the insurance certificate it must show the permanent address as being somewhere in the North (a relation's address possibly). If one were to be involved in a serious road accident with one of these individuals, questions may then be asked by the insurance companies and the insurance could be invalid.

I would appreciate if someone from Customs and Excise could reply to this letter pointing out the legal situation for these individuals.
Yours etc.,

(name and address supplied)