Commercial Rates

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 February 2014

Tuesday, 11 February 2014

Questions (368)

Barry Cowen

Question:

368. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has raised the issue of sporting organisations paying commercial rates to local authorities on their grounds with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6211/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes, in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. That Act determines properties that can, and cannot, be considered for rating purposes. The Commissioner for Valuation has sole responsibility for all valuation matters, including determination under the Act of relevant property for the purposes of rates.

The Valuation Act 2001 comes under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.