Businesses throughout Clare are set to see their rates bills for 2020 reduced, to offset the impact of COVID-19 on their trade.
However, the decision by Clare Councillors to freeze rates will impact on the finances of the County Council, as Clare FM’s Marése O’Sullivan reports.
With the impact of COVID-19 on the county dominating last evening’s meeting, Council officials revealed they are expecting a 19.7 million euro drop in commercial rates collected this year.
Other financial impacts are likely, and CEO Pat Dowling warned that they could run a deficit for the current financial year.
Despite the grim figures, Councillors put businesses and employees first when unanimously backing a call for rates bills to be frozen for an extended period of time, in support of firms that have been affected by COVID-19.
Ennis Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard says it’s a much-needed break for local companies.
Clare VFI Chair and Vice-President of Ennis Chamber of Commerce, Darragh McAllister, says every bit will help in terms of rates
He feels that the council is doing everything it can to support businesses already.
Councillors now want the government to step in and fill the shortfall in funding.
The meeting heard that local authorities are pushing for this, and there was a degree of confidence that money could be forthcoming.
Minister Eoghan Murphy has told the Dáil that his Department will work with local authorities.
Ennis Fianna Fáil Councillor Mark Nestor says the government must step up to the plate.
Marése O’Sullivan, Clare FM, first for local news.
