I was pleased to facilitate a meeting between representatives of the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association and officials from the Valuation Office at Leinster House last Wednesday to discuss the ongoing rates revaluation taking place in Co. Kildare.
Michael Grassick and his colleagues received a presentation that updated them on the process and the background to it. It is vital that all those who are unhappy with their proposed rates valuation ensure they lodge an appeal before April 18th. The IRTA will be working with their members on this in the coming weeks,
“I advised that I had raised the concerns of Kildare racehorse trainers directly with Minister Simon Coveney. He has confirmed to me that he plans to bring heads of a new Bill to Cabinet in April which will modernise the legislation around the levying and collection of commercial rates. One of the proposals would give County Councillors the powers to introduce schemes to alleviate rates for certain categories of rate payers in their own County.
I also confirmed that under section 56 of the 2001 valuation Act, Kildare County Council cannot benefit from any recalibration of rates such as this and that Minister Coveney will sign an order in that regard.
Attached photo shows Martin Heydon TD, Cllr Ivan Keatley with Michael Grassick, John Oxx and Patrick Prendergast at Leinster House.