COUNTY COUNCILLORS LASH RATES SYSTEM
Date Published: 22-Jul-2011
The calculation of rates in County Galway has been described as 'unfair and outdated'.
Councillor Kevin Ryan says many businesses in the county are forced to close because they cannot pay high commercial rates.
A representative from the Valuations Office gave a presentation to this week's County Council meeting.
Most Councillors at the meeting felt that the process for valuing property in Ireland is flawed and needs to be changed.
Councillor Seán Ó Tuairisg expressed concern about rates for seasonal businesses that might only be open 3 months of the year, but pay a yearly rate.
Councillor Pat Hynes said that it's a 'punitive valuation system' and new legislation is urgently needed.
County Manager, Martina Maloney said, 83percent of ratepayers in the County pay less than 5 thousand euro a year.