Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 April 2021
494. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will respond to concerns raised by a person (details supplied) in relation to a manufacturing firm whose turnover is down 50% but cannot access rates waivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22084/21]
View answerIn order to continue supporting ratepayers, and in recognition of the ongoing impacts of Covid-19 and the associated public health restrictions, the Government has put in place a more targeted commercial rates waiver for the first half of 2021. It applies to businesses most seriously affected by the restrictions. Automatic eligibility is extended to hospitality including hotels, pubs and restaurants, leisure and entertainment, personal services such as hairdressers and barbers, and various other sectors. Categories of commercial property, such as offices, industrial premises and banks are not automatically eligible, but may qualify if they can provide proof of serious impact to their local authority.
Such proof of serious financial impact includes evidence that the ratepayer is receiving support under the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) operated by the Revenue Commissioners or evidence that turnover from the relevant business activity in the claim period does not exceed 25% of the average weekly turnover in 2019 (or 2020 for new businesses).
As provision has been made for businesses that do not automatically qualify to apply, there are no current plans to broaden the scope of automatic eligibility nor are there plans to amend the conditions under which the waiver can be applied to ratepayers not automatically eligible.
