asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the serious recession in the tourist industry, he will consider the provision of some financial relief for hotel owners and guesthouse owners in relation to rates.
Written Answers. - Rates Relief.
551.
Under the Local Government (Financial Provisions) Act, 1978, the rated occupiers of hotels and guesthouses, registered under the Tourist Traffic Acts, 1939 to 1975, may apply to the local authorities for relief of a proportion of their rates provided part of their premises is used wholly for ordinary dwelling purposes. I have no proposals to extend this relief to the commercial element of their premises. If individual hotel or guesthouse owners have difficulties in paying their rates it is, of course, open to them to make their case to the local authority.