Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I expect that Ballymahon, after the visit of many Ministers, will respond now to the incoming investment of Center Parcs in bringing some 1,000 jobs to that locality. I expect all the towns and villages around there will avail of the programme to increase their attraction as a location for hospitality, tourism and investment. The Deputy raises an important point. The situation is that Government devolved responsibility for rates to the county councillors, the local authority members. They have the option of increasing or reducing those rates by 15% depending on the authorities' programmes. Many have reduced or frozen the rates. Obviously, the issue of an increase in rates being given by the independent Valuation Office is one that can be appealed. The Minister, Deputy Coveney is working with the local authorities to see whether it is possible to introduce a rates alleviation scheme. Members in commercial business who have received an increase in rates can avail of the appeals procedure and the Minister will make his decision in respect of the possibility of a rates alleviation scheme.

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