Pat Casey (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to come in on this subject because Wicklow is going through its own revaluation process. We all know the value small and medium-sized enterprises have to each county, especially in towns. Through no fault of the businesses themselves, rates have not been revalued in 20 or even 30 years but the businesses are now faced with a revaluation process that is unjust and will involve a significant hike. Deputy Aylward is looking for some form of concession, meaning the increase can be spread over a period of time rather than over one year but the legislation does not have the necessary flexibility. Is there any way we can amend the forthcoming legislation to give the power to local authorities to take the increase and spread it out over a four-year or five-year period, given the fact that there has been a deficit in the revaluation process? This is impacting the heart of rural towns and villages but it is not the fault of businesses.

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