‘Unfair’ rates see closure of Bart’s charity shop
BART MURPHY is closing his flagship cancer charity shop in New Ross.
Bart made the decision to close the large shop premises at Woodbine Business Park, attributing the decision to financial pressure arising from high rates. It is one of 22 shops he has closed in recent months, from a peak of 27 shops.
Bart said that contrary to the name on the shop, it is not a charity shop and resultingly has to pay rates.
The Celbridge man with Wexford roots opened his first non-profit premises in Straffan, Co Kildare.
Speaking to staff and volunteers last week announcing the closure of his flagship shop, Bart said: ‘We are on our own. Today it breaks my heart to tell people like you that we can longer keep the doors open like many other small businesss. We don’t matter. The odds are stacked against us.’
Bart said one of the major problems for all small businesses ‘is the fact that you must pay rates of the council value of the property you run your business from’. ‘ This is a totally outdated way to charge and gives the small business no chance with the big stores who simply write rates off against profit.’
He said his New Ross shop’s turnover was less than €1,000 a week, adding that his business has been hit sinc the economy improved. ‘ The council rates are €200 a week. Now a store just up the street which is the same size as mine has a turnover of €15,000 a week, yet their rates are the same.
‘How can you say this is the correct and remember you must pay rates in advance?
‘ There is a proper way to charge rates and property tax base solely on turnover for the self employed and on income for everyone else. This is the right and proper way.’
He criticised TDs and councillors, saying they do nothing to help the small business owners in New Ross, claiming they don’t want to raise rates on larger, more proftable businesses.
He thanked his customers and staff.