The Clare-based CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland has slammed a recent commercial rates increase an an “out-of-touch move” as businesses look ahead to 2026.
A decision taken by Clare’s local elected representatives in November to hike the local property tax on businesses by 8% has been widely condemned by traders.
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It comes at a time when many small and medium businesses are concerned about mounting costs like pension auto-enrolment which is set to kick in on January 1st.
Jean McCabe of Willow in Ennis says the rates increase couldn’t have come at a worse time for businesses in the county town.
You can listen to the full interview here:

