Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response. I would make the observation that Dublin, Cork and Limerick are very different places to towns like Athenry, Loughrea and Gort. Dublin, Cork and Limerick have demand for commercial units, so it is arguably fair to apply a 50% rates bill on unoccupied commercial premises. It is very different in rural areas where supply exceeds demand. That is the difficulty in east Galway, which is why I brought this matter before the House. I appeal to the Department and the Minister's better judgment so as not to further burden those who own such properties and who are already struggling in this economic recession. I ask that they take a commonsense approach and perhaps devolve some power to the local authority, which would be more au fait with how these towns are operating in terms of getting tenants into or being able to sell these commercial units.

I welcome the fact the Bill is back before the House later this month, when I intend to make a submission on the matter. I am glad to note the Minister of State will carry my submission back to the senior Minister in the Department.