Fianna Fail Deputy, Robert Troy, has called on Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Simon Coveney, to suspend the re-valuation process and to urgently carry out a full review of the new system.
Deputy Troy made the call during an impassioned speech on the floor of the Dáil chamber last week.
In his speech, Deputy Troy highlighted the plight of many business owners across the Longford-Westmeath constituency, singling out examples where rates valuations have risen by up to 400 per cent.
“This is not an issue which can be allowed to die or to be steamrolled by the Government," he said. "It is far too crucial a matter for rural Ireland where towns and villages are already struggling to survive. A number of business owners have spoken to me personally on how they managed to keep their doors open throughout the worst of the recession.
"These same people now feel that they will be forced to close their doors if the new level of rates comes into force. I will continue to call on the Minister to take on board the proposals put forward by Fianna Fáil and carry out a full review of the system."
