A Clare Independent TD says any further increase in this county’s commercial rates for 2023 would be ‘outraegeous’.
It comes amid increasing calls for a planned revaluation of rates in this county to be paused.
Properties in Clare, along with those in Donegal, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Galway, Kerry and Mayo are currently being assessed by the Valuation Office for their new rates.
The last such valuation here took place all the way back in 1862.
Some businesses here are already reporting significant increases in what they’re being asked to pay.
Clare County Council says over 80% of commercial rate customers here currently pay less than €5,000, however councillors have been told that 30% of businesses in the county will receive an increased revaluation rate.
Meelick-based Fianna Fail Deputy Cathal Crowe says a similar intervention to the pandemic is needed for business owners.
Meanwhile, one of Clare’s Independent TDs says there are fresh fears any reduction in rates paid by Moneypoint power station could see other businesses in the county being asked to foot the bill.
New figures from the SEAI show electricity production at the West Clare plant in the first eight months of this year is up 8 percent.
Clare Councillors are set to sign off on Budget 2023 plans later this month, including whether to decrease or increase rates, or keep them at the same level.
This year saw commercial rates in Clare go up for the first time in 13 years.
Scarriff-based Independent Deputy Michael McNamara says any similar move for 2023 would be an ‘outrageous’ one.
