Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 January 2021
78. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to introduce a commercial rates waiver for businesses for 2021, in view of the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially on the hospitality sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4782/21]
View answer102. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to extend the moratorium on rates for businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic to the end of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4825/21]
View answer117. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the waiver on local authority rates for businesses will continue into the second and third quarters of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4980/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 78, 102 and 117 together.
In order to continue supporting businesses and other ratepayers, and in recognition of the ongoing impacts of COVID 19 and the associated public health restrictions, the Government recently announced that a commercial rates waiver will be applied in the first quarter of 2021 to businesses most seriously affected by ongoing restrictions. €160 million has been allocated to meet the cost of this waiver. Details were issued to local authorities yesterday (27 January).
The first quarter waiver is necessarily more targeted at businesses most seriously impacted by ongoing restrictions. Automatic eligibility is extended to retail, hospitality including hotels, pubs and restaurants, leisure and entertainment, personal services such as hairdressers and barbers, health services and various other categories. Businesses in other sectors may engage directly with their local authorities if they can demonstrate serious financial impact and may also qualify for this waiver.
As has been the case since the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, my Department will continue to engage with the local government sector and with individual local authorities on the financial impacts of the pandemic. As with all public health measures and associated supports, the waiver of commercial rates will be kept under review.
