Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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357. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he plans to extend the rates waiver to dry cleaners that are struggling financially as a result of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9430/22]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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€729m was recouped to local authorities to fund the cost of a 9 month rates waiver in 2020. A further €424m was recouped in respect of the 2021 Q1-Q3 rates waiver. These were unprecedented measures, which offered support to businesses and financial certainty to local authorities.

The Government, in Budget 2022, announced a more targeted commercial rates waiver than had previously applied. For quarter 4 of 2021 and quarter 1 of 2022, a limited waiver scheme, applying primarily to hospitality, leisure and entertainment, has been put in place, supported by an allocation of €62.3m per quarter from Government.

Government has the challenge of balancing competing demands for finite resources. The Q4 2021 and Q1 2022 targeted rates waivers are separate, stand-alone schemes and in recognition of the resources available and the unwinding of public health restrictions, many businesses that benefited from previous waivers are no longer eligible. There are no current plans to revisit or extend the scope of the waiver.