Call for Rates decrease to help struggling start-ups

FIANNA Fail Cllr Michael Cahill has said the problem issue of high rates for new businesses needs to be addressed by Kerry County Council and the Head of Finance to assist fledgling businesses across the county.

The Killorglin based councillor said a 3-year scheme of reduced rates would be of huge benefit: in year 1 a new businesses would receive a 100 per cent write-off in rates; in year 2, a 50 per cent write-off, and in year 3, a 25 per cent write-off. Year 4 is when businesses would start paying the full rate by which time it is hoped they would be up and running. Cllr Cahill believes the ‘Incentive Scheme’ will help and encourage new businesses to start up in towns and villages

“I’ve raised this issue before and I feel it’s one worth pursuing,” Cllr Cahill said.

“People looking to start a new business are looking into the running costs and overheads. This proposal forms part of that process whether we like it or not. The council have a major role in this and it’s just one way we can assist in that regard. This is something we can do ourselves. I’ll certainly be pushing this scheme as I feel it’s worth it,” he added.

Cllr Cahill said, if given the call, he would even go a step further by recommending the first few years be totally free of rates to help start-ups.

“I know that others might say ‘what about the existing businesses’. But we’re trying to encourage and create jobs by starting up new businesses.”

He added that closed down businesses and shops is adding a look of dereliction to towns and villages.

“This is another way of addressing this problem. A closed business is of no use to the council or anyone else for that matter. A 50 or 25 percent rate would be better to the council than no rate at all. Such a scheme will bring life back to our towns and villages, help create jobs and will be a major help in getting rid of dereliction. I sincerely hope Kerry County Council will give my motion favourable consideration as this is a win-win situation,” stated the Killorglin Councillor.

The motion is to be debated at the May Meeting of the South and West Kerry Municipal District.

Cllr Michael Cahill in Rates cut call