Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the past months, two very well-known GAA clubs in north County Louth have received rates demands for 2015, one in excess of €16,000 and another in excess of €15,000. Both clubs are in the north of the county and cater for over 1,000 children ranging in ages from six right up to 18 and also include adult members and players. They are voluntary, not-for-profit organisations and rely on the goodwill of the community to stay alive. Each year, the cost of running the clubs is increasing and they rely heavily on fund-raising efforts to remain open for the members and the community. I have met representatives from both clubs and other sporting organisations in County Louth and it is clear that the additional expense of the rates bill will have a very detrimental effect on the clubs. They face very stiff competition in their fund-raising efforts from other very worthwhile organisations.

I have spoken to representatives from Louth County Council who have explained that from their point of view, there is no provision in law for the waiving of rates and have told me that "rates apply to all commercial outlets which include bars". The law, as it stands, states that sports club facilities are normally exempt from rates but where the club has a bar, all of its premises are valued for rates, including buildings which are purely for sporting purposes. I welcome the fact that the Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill has completed its passage through the both Houses of the Oireachtas in the past week and will allow commercial and community areas within these clubs to be separated for rates purposes. Will the Minister of State and his officials actively engage with Louth County Council and the Valuation Office in respect of the commercial rates bill already issued to both clubs with a view to re-evaluating the outstanding bills on the new rateable basis?

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