Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
309. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if businesses whose ability to trade effectively are reduced due to local roadworks projects have an entitlement to seek a discount in commercial rates; his views on local authorities being facilitated by central Government for such instances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3631/21]
View answerLocal 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 Acts 2001 to 2015.
Rates income is a very important contribution to the cost of services provided by local authorities such as roads, public lighting, development control, parks and open spaces.
As with all local charges, the invoicing and collection of amounts due is a matter for the local authority concerned to manage, in the light of prevailing local circumstances and in accordance with normal accountancy procedures. There is no automatic entitlement to a discount in circumstances such as those outlined in the question. In practice however, I understand that most local authorities facilitate flexible payment options that reflect capacity to pay.
