Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2017
218. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the details of the terms of the proposed rural rates alleviation scheme recently announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6708/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal 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 pursuant to the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority.
Commercial rates form an important element of the funding of all local authorities. However, the legislative basis for the levying of rates is spread over a number of enactments, some dating back to the 19th century. Many of the provisions are outdated and not suitable for business trends in the modern era. I have asked my Department to develop proposals for the preparation of a consolidated Rates Bill to modernise and consolidate the legislation in this area. Among the measures being considered for the General Scheme of the Bill are provisions to allow a local authority to introduce rates alleviation schemes to support, inter alia, urban regeneration and rural development.
The Government recently launched Realising Our Rural Potential: The Action Plan for Rural Development, lead responsibility for which rests with my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The Plan is aimed at delivering real change for people living and working in rural Ireland and includes a specific action to determine the feasibility of enabling local authorities to introduce rates alleviation schemes to support rural development policy objectives. I have asked my Department to develop proposals in this regard for inclusion in the General Scheme of the Rates Bill. I hope to bring proposals in this regard to Government in the coming weeks.
