Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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299. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if, in respect of the rural incentive scheme, the rural rates alleviation scheme has been formulated and introduced for such rural based businesses, in view of policies announced by the former Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to help revitalise and bring jobs to rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6281/18]

John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015. The Commissioner of Valuation has responsibility for valuation matters. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority.

Commercial rates form an important element of the funding of all local authorities. However, the legislative basis for the levying of rates is spread over a number of enactments, some dating back to the 19th century. Many of the provisions are outdated and not suitable for business trends in the modern era. My Department has developed legislative proposals to modernise and consolidate the legislation governing commercial rates. Among the measures included in the General Scheme of the Bill are provisions to allow a local authority to introduce rates alleviation schemes, which would include schemes to support the implementation of Realising Our Rural Potential: The Action Plan for Rural Development.

In this regard, the Government last year approved the drafting of a Rates Bill. The General Scheme of the Bill is currently with the Attorney General’s office for drafting, with a view to its introduction as soon as possible.