Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each local authority. The annual rate on valuation applied to the valuation of each property, determined by the Valuation Office, to obtain the amount payable in rates, is decided by the elected members of each local authority in the annual budget and its determination is a reserved function of a local authority.

The Commissioner of Valuation, who has sole responsibility for all valuation matters, is conducting a programme of revaluation of all commercial and industrial properties throughout the State on a county-by-county basis. The purpose of the revaluation process is to update commercial valuations which will assist in providing a more equitable distribution of rates for those liable to pay rates. Local authorities have been asked by my Department to exercise restraint in setting the annual rate on valuation in this and previous years and they have responded positively in this regard. I recognise these are difficult economic times for many businesses. I will continue to keep all matters relating to rates under regular consideration and review and I am determined that every avenue will be pursued to optimise efficiency and contain and reduce costs in the local government sector.

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