Town Council Area Commercial Rates Must Not Be Raised

Chambers Ireland have today (21/05/13) called on Government to guarantee that commercial rates in town centres do not increase as a consequence of the abolition of those Town Councils whose rates are lower than their surrounding Counties.
Speaking in advance of a meeting with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government this afternoon, Ian Talbot, Chambers Ireland Chief Executive said “With the upcoming abolition of Town Councils, there is major concern amongst businesses that commercial rates in many Town Council areas will be raised to match current County rates. In order to protect our town centres, many of which are already struggling, we urge the Government to bring the rates in line by using the savings arising to reduce the higher County rate rather than increase the lower rate.”
“The decline of town and city centres is detrimental to the quality of life for many people in Ireland. Fair commercial rates will help businesses to remain in these areas, contributing to the vibrancy of community life in our towns. If rates in Town Council areas such as Dungarvan, Letterkenny, Midleton and Westport are raised, then it will have a serious impact on the economic viability of these town centres.”
“The cost savings associated with the restructuring of Local Government and the new revenues from the introduction of the Local Property Tax provide an immediate opportunity to apply targeted rate reductions that support town centres which would be of great benefit to vulnerable businesses,” he concluded.
-Ends-

For further information contact Amy Woods, Chambers Ireland on 01 400 4319, 086 6081605 or email amy.woods@www.chambers.ie

Notes to Editor
Chambers Ireland meets with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government
A Chambers Ireland delegation, including Chief Executive Ian Talbot, Deputy Chief Executive Seán Murphy and President of Dungarvan Chamber Collette Bannon today met with the Financial Affairs Working Group at the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government to outline the above concerns.

Chamber figures showing rate differential between Town and County Councils
Figures from local Chambers highlight the following current differentials:

Letterkenny
Donegal County Council: 69.70 (12% higher than Letterkenny)
Letterkenny Town Council: 65.21

Dungarvan
Waterford County: 69.92 (15.8% higher than Dungarvan)
Waterford City: 66.22
Dungarvan: 60.37

Ennis
Clare County Council: 72.99 (11% higher than Ennis)
Ennis Town Council: 65.45

Midleton
Cork County Council: 74.75 (at least 15% higher than Midleton)
Midleton: 63.53