Freezing commercial rates will help heat up business climate – Bruton

A freezing of commercial rates will benefit the business environment in this country. That’s according to Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Employment, Richard Bruton TD. Speaking at an event with Fine Gael Local Election candidates, he made the point that the Fine Gael party is committed to this policy, as outlined in the Local election manifesto.

“Some councils and local authorities have already tackled commercial rates, but what is clear is that we need a strong incentive to revive many of the town centres around the country. Fine Gael is committed to offering businesses better opportunities to expand and create jobs. Our councillors will freeze commercial rates, lowering them where possible, now that the public finances are in better shape and there is some growth in the economy.

“A stable or reduced rates regime will also give some incentive for using premises which are now vacant, and this is another core theme of our local election platform. We think that this is a good way of doing it, and Fine Gael candidates can be relied upon to make sure this happens, if they are elected.”