asked the Minister for the Environment if the Government will consider reimbursing local authorities in the western region for the rates remission they grant to industries.
Written Answers. - Rates Remission.
48.
The grant of this rates relief, which supplements the various incentives to industrial development made available from the Exchequer, is entirely within the discretion of the local authorities concerned. There are no funds at my disposal from which the full cost could be recouped to these local authorities. Portion of the cost would, however, fall to be borne by the Exchequer which through the various general grants in relief of rates meets about 60 per cent of the amount which would otherwise fall to be met by the general body of ratepayers in the country.