Flood affected rate payers will be ‘looked at’ - Council

FAMILIAR FEELING The Hiney and Quinn business premises in Crossmolina were among many damaged by recurring flooding in recent years. Pic: Michael McLaughlin

Anton McNulty

The Head of Finance of Mayo County Council has reassured councillors that businesses affected by recent flooding will be taken into consideration when rates are being collected.
Peter Duggan informed members of Mayo County Council that 83 percent of businesses across the county have paid their commercial rates for 2015 and that the council is 2 percent ahead in terms of collection compared to this time last year.
A number of councillors raised ratepayers’ concerns with the current system. Fianna FΡil councillor Michael Loftus, himself a rate payer, said there is no return for the rates businesses pay.
The Crossmolina-based councillor said: “I hope Mayo County Council take into consideration the people of south Mayo, of Foxford and Crossmolina when they are collecting their rates this year.”
In reply, Mr Duggan said that the Council was aware of the problems facing businesses in flood-affected areas and would consider this when collecting rates.
“Because of the time of year [the flooding] happened some businesses were affected and not in a position to pay rates. We are looking at all of that,” he said.
Independent councillor Christy Hyland Councillor said the system as it currently exists is out of date and is having a negative impact on the retail sector in every rural town in Ireland.
He added that during the recent General Election, none of the main political parties brought forward ideas on a system of local-authority funding that would serve the country in a more constructive manner.
Fine Gael councillor Jarlath Munnelly commented that while he did not want to put anyone out of business, the onus was on the Council to respect people who have paid their rates and go after those who can pay but refuse to do so.  
Sinn Féin councillor Thérèse Ruane suggested the introduction of a new band of rates based on the profitability of a business. She argued that any flat reduction in rates would only benefit the multinational companies and would not protect the small and medium sized businesses.
Mr Duggan responded to questions by saying that until there is a change of legislation, they are bound to collect rates using the current system. He thanked all those who paid their rates, as well as the rate collectors, saying it was not an easy job.