The Fianna Fail party is calling for an urgent review of local authority rates. The party is to introduce a motion on the topic in the Dail today, Tuesday, calling for an immediate and substantial cut in commercial valuations at every local authority across the country according to local representative Barry Cowen.

“Thousands of businesses in the midlands and across the country are under serious pressure to meet their costs at the moment,” Deputy Cowen said. “For many, one of the largest financial burdens is rates charged by their local authority, under a system that is no longer fair or equitable.” Deputy Cowen said the valuation lists used for most commercial properties “hardly resemble current property valuations” with a result in many cases of inflated rates. “This system needs a complete overhaul without delay,” he said, “if we are serious about supporting local businesses and allowing them to grow.”

Deputy Cowen said his party is asking the government to look at other methods of valuation, including self assessment. He said the ability of each business to pay should also be taken into account.

He called on government deputies in this constituency as well as across the country to support today’s motion in the interests of securing the future of our local economy.