Search Results for 'Rates'

According to DTZ Sherry FitzGerald many of its clients cite rates as the third highest overhead, behind rent and staff costs. With the national revaluation currently under way and rateable values set to increase across all business sectors, DTZ Sherry FitzGerald is encouraging occupiers and landlords of vacant commercial premises in Galway city to question whether they could be paying less.

Home owners across Galway city and county will receive letters in March telling them how much their home is worth and how much should be paid under the property tax.

A new national business organisation, Irish Employers for Affordable Rates (IEAR), which wants the Government to reform the present local authority commercial rates system, was launched recently.

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI), which represents 4,500 pubs throughout Ireland, has called for reform of the commercial rates system. The VFI believes the commercial rates system is punitive, is a heavy burden on businesses throughout Ireland and is costing jobs in the current climate.

The members of Castlebar Town Council this week agreed to drop the rateable valuation for the year by one per cent. The new rate will be €70.94 for 2011.

Galway solicitors Purdy FitzGerald are reporting a surge in businesses seeking to reduce their rates liability. The action is promoted by upcoming local authority budgets which may include a commercial rates hike.

Hotels in Galway already under pressure from the recession and low visitor numbers are paying the eighth highest local authority rates in the country with more than €6 million in total paid out in 2009 alone.

At a recent meeting of Mayo County Council, Fine Gael Councilor for the Ballina electoral area Jarlath Munnelly questioned County Manager, Des Mahon, on the introduction of a new €200 levy on houses which are not the owner’s principal residence. This levy was introduced as part of Budget 2009 by the Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan.

Crippling local authority rates emerged as a key issue causing severe hardship for hoteliers at a crisis meeting held by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) last week.

Crippling local authority rates emerged as a key issue causing severe hardship for hoteliers at a crisis meeting held by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) last week.