Commercial rates amnesty needed for Louth businesses in arrears – Fitzpatrick

Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, has called on the new Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Simon Coveney, to examine the prospect of introducing a commercial rates amnesty for businesses in Louth, who are currently in arrears.

“I have been approached by many businesses owners in Louth who are struggling and unable to pay their commercial rates arrears. We need to give these businesses more of a helping hand in order to ensure their survival.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the local economy in Louth, supporting jobs and communities, and we should help them, to not just survive, but to grow and realise their potential.
“I would like to welcome the recently announced retail incentives by Louth County Council, the Small Business Support Scheme and the New Business Incentive Scheme.

“The Small Business Support Scheme will help businesses with a rate demand of €5,000 or less and give rates credit of up to 10%. Under the scheme rates, including arrears, must be discharged by 31st July 2016.

“The New Business Incentive Scheme will apply to new businesses in Drogheda, Dundalk and Ardee in properties vacant in excess of 2 years. It will mean a 50% reduction in Year 1 and a 25% reduction in Year 2.

“However, while these initiatives are welcome, I strongly believe that they do not go far enough to address the current situation with regards to the payment of commercial rates arrears.

“I am now asking the new Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Simon Coveney to examine the issue of outstanding commercial rates due to Louth County Council, with a view to introducing a scheme or an amnesty for commercial businesses who are struggling with arrears of rates.

“I will be requesting an urgent meeting with Minister Coveney on the matter.”