Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

If the metering programme is not completed in a county, the consolidated county at large charge does not apply and businesses will therefore pay the same this year as they paid last year. However, where the metering programme has been completed, users in towns outside major urban areas which have a separate rating capacity now face a doubling in the charge they paid last year. Non-domestic users in other counties are getting away completely. These charges are being applied as a result of the directive the Minister issued. I ask him to delay the directive for at least another year until all counties are in compliance.

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