Coffey welcomes Cork County Council’s support for motion to reduce costs for new businesses

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey has today (Thursday) welcomed the cross party support from Cork County Council for his Private Member’s Bill, which aims to reduce the burden of costs for new businesses. Deputy Coffey introduced this Bill into the Dáil a number of weeks ago and has called on other councils to support him in this with a view to helping start-up businesses in towns and villages right across the country.

“The current situation in respect of rates in Ireland is that if an owner/occupier of premises closes down or vacates it, and in doing so leaves behind unpaid local authority rates, any new tenant that takes over ownership or occupancy is liable for the tenants defaulted rates bill. This law dates back to an Act called the Poor Relief (Ireland) Act 1838 and it is my view that it is completely outdated. Most sections of this Act have been repealed or amended over the years; however section 71 that deals with this issue has not been.

“I believe that it is important in these times to incentivise investment and businesses in our towns and city centres and ensure that new owner/occupiers should not be liable for the debts of previous tenants.  This Bill is a step in the right direction for business and for the economy as it looks to update a law from 165 years ago that businesses in the 21st Century should not have to deal with.

“The Bill received all party support from Cork County Council and I am calling on other Local Authorities around the country to support this progressive piece of legislation that is pro-enterprise and pro-business and will help Ireland become more attractive for internal investors which are looking to expand their operations or for entrepreneurs that are looking to set up their first business.”