Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Fitzpatrick for raising this important issue. I agree that local authorities require greater flexibility in how they apply commercial rates. Perhaps a rates break could be given to new businesses. Distinctions could be made between different types of businesses on our main streets. Many such provisions are provided for in the commercial rates Bill, the heads of which were approved by the Cabinet in April. The Bill is currently being drafted.

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