John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In response to Deputies Tóibín and Wallace, there are many integrated plans for town centres, some of which are very effectively managed by the local authority. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, is examining the management of local government. The local enterprise offices will consider every aspect of business and there will be business representation on those committees. A total of 65% of all property tax will be retained. The tax base will be broader whereas until now it was only the business people who paid rates. Local authorities will have more autonomy and discretion to give a derogation to a vacant unit to allow somebody occupy it without paying rates. That will be considered under the new management structure in every local authority where elected members will have far more say in what they want to do to promote business especially in town centres.

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