Ms Tara Buckley:

I will respond quickly on rent. In general, most of the businesses in the convenience sector, the grocers, like Ms O’Meara, are second-, third- or fourth-generation businesses. Those concerned have been the town shop for a long time and own their businesses. Huge increases in rent are an issue for many members in the cities because they generally rent their premises.

There have been huge increases in commercial rates. A small supermarket in an urban village in Dublin will pay €80,000 in commercial rates. If there is a road closure, business goes down by 30%. Commercial rates comprise a big issue and we would like to see them reviewed. Our members own their premises but rent would be a major issue for the other businesses, including retail business, which are important to have a nice, vibrant town centre.