Search Results for 'Valuation Office'

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 The method of collecting rates was labelled as ‘outdated and antiquated’ where the amounts paid were in no way related to business income.

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.

Westmeath County Council says it may look at the proposal to open the council staff car park at weekends but there is no “grace period” for drivers.

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.

Crippling local authority rates emerged as a key issue causing severe hardship for hoteliers at a recent crisis meeting held by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF). Westmeath members expressed outrage at the exorbitant rates imposed and demanded that, due to their inability to pay in the current climate, an emergency provision should be brought in to immediately reduce rates by 30 per cent for hotels and guesthouses. This would be in line with the recent result of the revaluation of hotels and guesthouses in the South Dublin County Council area completed by the Valuation Office.