Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----in my own local authority area 40% was a maximum and that was an outlier, with most people seeing rises or reductions of 10% or less. There is nothing I can do about it as the process is independent of me. Nevertheless, I would be interested to see how it is working out for businesses in those particular circumstances.

In the rates Bill, which is separate from this issue, we want to ensure local authorities have the flexibility to alleviate rates where they need to in order to help businesses in struggling areas, though the valuation rate is independent. When the legislation comes into the House I want to make sure we can achieve something that will give teeth to local authorities from the point of view of collection, and fairness in finding the balance between different businesses in their rateable areas. Whether it is national or local government, we should not do anything to hinder business but should support it as small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of our economy, and local business is what drives smaller towns and villages. Everything about Project Ireland 2040 is about opening the door to smaller towns and villages that saw a population exodus in previous years. Through greater investment and the urban regeneration fund, the rural regeneration fund and changes in technology and work practices, we will revitalise these towns and villages and we will give businesses the support they need.

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