Over the past years, there have been large increases in commercial rates on different business. It is particularly prevalent in Kilkenny, where tourism is a major industry. People are having to pay higher levels of commercial rates, thereby disimproving their competitive position. Local authorities will soon be presenting their budgets and it is important that the tourism sector, which is under pressure and is accused of being uncompetitive, should not be saddled again with significant increases in commercial rates, especially as the stage has been reached where they are having a serious impact on the bottom line of many tourism businesses throughout the country.