Town Mayor, Cllr. Frankie Keena, has called for the abolition of commercial rates for all local businesses during the COVID-19 lockdown period.
As it stands, the rates bill is deferred for an initial period of three months.
“My problem with deferring the rates is that businesses will still be faced with these bills later in the year. I am very strong in my view that these rates need to be completely written off for this COVID-19 closed down period.
“I have taken this matter up within my party and have urged them to include support for our business sectors in their talks with Fine Gael and others in Government formation. The Government needs to request the European Central Bank to make interest free loans available to Ireland to help us make up this shortfall plus other expenditure to enable businesses to get through this crisis,” Cllr. Keena remarked.
Noting the measures implemented to support the business community and employees during the public health crisis, Cllr. Keena, is hopeful that his requested measure will receive approval.
“Unfortunately, the majority of businesses have had to close their doors resulting in large numbers of employees losing their jobs across the country. Various welcomed supports from the Government to assist those people laid off and a wage subsidy scheme to encourage employers to hold onto their staff are now in place, but I would hope that my recommendation regarding commercial rates will receive approval also,” Cllr. Keena concluded.
