Kildare South Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon has today (Monday) said that he is encouraging all businesses unhappy with their proposed rates calculations to make use of the formal appeal mechanism.
“I am very aware of the concerns of businesses including many in the equine industry such as horse trainers who have contacted me regarding proposed increases in their rates bills. “While the valuations office have informed me that there has been no change to the rateability criteria, it is vital that each business that has received a proposed increase, sends in their own specific appeal to the valuations office which can then be assessed in the coming months.
“Minister with responsibility for Local Government Simon Coveney has advised me that he is working on proposals to modernize the legislation governing the levying and collection of commercial rates by local authorities. These will include proposals to give the elected members of Local Authorities the powers to introduce schemes to alleviate rates for certain categories of ratepayers which they can’t do at present.”