Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I can see that being done, particularly where councils have some leeway with regard to cash flow. Not all have done so, but the discretion is there to do it and it is up to businesses to lobby for a move in that reduction. The AMAI mentioned that there should be varying mechanisms and rates in different areas and in areas better able to carry the higher rates. Since the 2001 Act, there has been a facility to raise local government community funds - let us call them rates. For example, councillors and businesses may want to pay extra rates to allow free parking. This can be done under the 2001 Act, under the provision relating to the local community fund, provided everybody agrees to it and pays up, not just regular businesses. Some businesses are hidden in that they are not paying rates, but they are making profits.