Fianna Fáil has given a commitment to freeze commercial rates for the next three years in its local election manifesto Accountable & Effective Local Government, which was launched in Dublin by An Taoiseach Brian Cowen this week.
Local election candidate in the Swinford area John Caulfield has given a strong welcome to the commitment, saying that it is vital for the recovery and survival of small and medium sized businesses in Mayo.
“I am delighted that the Taoiseach made this clear commitment today. It is so important that people know what they are voting for in the local elections, and I want this message to go out loud and to all business people in Mayo – vote Fianna Fáil, and vote for the freezing of commercial rates until 2012,” Mr Caulfield said.
“This commitment can only be fulfilled if Fianna Fáil have controlling majority on the council but, should I be elected, I will make it a priority to ensure that an agreement is reached with like-minded council members to bring in a freeze on rates.
“Businesses in Mayo need to be helped through this difficult time and a freeze on rates is a positive step in the right direction. Rates have gone up and up and it is just not sustainable.”
Mr Caulfield added that Fianna Fáil has also committed to cutting development levies: “There is some evidence that, in the current economic climate, development levies are acting as a disincentive to business start-ups. It is vital that what can be done to encourage business development and job creation, is done.
“We have also included in our local election manifesto a commitment to cut development levy charges by 50 per cent for a two-year period. This will apply to all projects through the planning system and those which have been substantially completed in that two year period.
“The Fianna Fáil councillors on Mayo County Council have been supportive of business in the county and if the people vote to strengthen our mandate on the council, we will work to build on this support with like-minded members,” Mr Caulfield concluded.
