Keane calls for review of commercial rates imposed on GAA, FAI and IRFU

Fine Gael Dublin Senator, Cáit Keane, has today (Wednesday) called for a re-assessment of the new commercial rates set by Dublin City Council for Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium, after it was announced that rates will more than double on each stadium. Senator Keane added that the Government should re-examine the new Valuation Bill to include a derogation for sporting organisations.

The independent Valuation Office have increased the rate on Croke Park from €528,000 to €1.028 million, while the IRFU and the FAI have been informed that the bill for the Aviva will be going up to €1.028 from last year’s figure of €437,000.

“These new figures have come out of the blue for these sporting organisations, which have no major options to increase incomes available to them. At a time where ticket sales and revenue is down, I find the increases unfair and I am calling on the Minister for Sport, Leo Varadkar TD, and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Brendan Howlin TD, to intervene and amend these changes.

“The role of the GAA, the FAI and the IRFU is hugely important in Irish society and local sports organisations are vital in tackling the pressing issues of childhood obesity and social disadvantage. The money for these commercial rates may have to be taken from grassroots level and may cause potential job losses and cutbacks to sports at local level.

“Large concerts and sports events at these stadiums generate huge amounts of revenue for Dublin and the local economy and it would be hugely detrimental to the tourism industry if these events were curtailed. The Valuation Bill is currently being passed through the Oireachtas and I call on the Government to consider including a derogation or reduced rates for voluntary and sporting organisations. There will be long term social, economic and health implications if these organisations have to suffer financially and I believe the Government needs to step in if possible.”

ENDS