A former Mayor of Ennis insists that steps need to be taken by the local authority to future-proof businesses in the county.
It follows a new report from IBEC which shows that Clare County Council is more dependent on rates for its income than most local authorities.
IBEC’s research states Clare businesses pay some of the highest rates levels in the country.
The average rates charge here stands at 8,830 euro, which is higher than all but only five other local authorities.
The vast majority of firms pay less than this, but 38.5% of the Council’s income – around 42 million euro – is paid for by businesses.
Author of IBEC’s Local Economic Indicators report, Aidan Sweeney believes this burden on businesses can’t be sustained.
He says government investment is needed.
Rates bills for businesses in Ennis and Kilrush rose last year, as the rates charge was equalised throughout Clare, although there are incentive schemes for those who are up to date in their rates payment.
A decision on the charge for 2019 is expected next month, and comes at a time when there have been regular concerns raised over the need for greater funding for the local authority.
But Former Mayor of Ennis, Johnny Flynn believes current rates are too high, and he hopes this will be considered in the Budget discussions.
