Written answers

Thursday, 12 November 2009

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Small and Medium Enterprises

5:00 pm

Photo of Lucinda CreightonLucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 29: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the burden on small and medium sized companies of local authority rates; if she will take some responsibility for ensuring that this burden is lightened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41082/09]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley and I have met with the county managers, to discuss local authority charges in the context of easing cost pressures on business at local level and promoting economic activity. We have made the concerns of businesses very clear to the county managers and I would like to assure the Deputy that local authorities are fully aware of the financial realities facing businesses across the country.

In addition, the Minister, Deputy Gormley, has issued a letter to all county/city managers asking them to consider "whether there are any measures open to the local authority to support new or existing enterprises in their area by, for example, reduced development contribution rates, deferral of payments, etc".

I have been assured by the County and City Managers' Association that, in engaging with elected members in the run up to and adoption of the Annual Rate on Valuation for Budgets for 2010, managers will continue to take a balanced and prudent view and will continue to bear in mind the concerns of business at this difficult time.

The average increase on local authority rates in 2009 was 1.15% with many rating authorities introducing no increase this year.

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