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A debate on commercial rates at this week’s meeting of Galway County Council led one exasperated councillor to remark that there would not be a rural pub left in Galway in a few years time if the system was not changed. The method of collecting rates was labelled as ‘outdated and antiquated’ where the amounts paid were in no way related to business income.

The final budget meeting of Castlebar Town Council saw the elected members vote to drop the commercial rates in the town by two per cent for the year ahead. The members voted to cut the rateable valuation from 70.23 to 68.76 on foot of a proposal from Sinn Féin councillor Therese Ruane.

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.

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.

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.