Pat Casey (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. We all know the importance of businesses especially in towns and villages and how hard hit they are in terms of commercial rates at a time when we are trying to revitalise local businesses. The Minister mentioned the flexibility within the commercial rates system is very archaic. Even if local authorities wish to incentivise businesses to set up in towns, they find it incredibly difficult to do so because the legislation does not allow it.

Many counties offer 100% relief if a property is vacant. Any incentive I have been trying to promote that gives rates for free involves no cost to a local authority given the existence of the 100% relief on vacant properties as it was not in receipt of income on such properties. We could introduce a few key measures that would involve no cost to local authorities. Another incentive could be a discount for advance payments or direct debits as, due to the current archaic system, one must pay one's bill before one can get a refund. That shows the entire system is archaic and not fit for purpose currently.

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