New commercial rates package announced

Minister of State for Planning and Local Government Peter Burke has announced another commercial rates package for local authorities, totalling €160m for the first quarter of 2021.

The new package is being provided to assist local authorities during the current Covid-19 restrictions, and aims to ensure impacted businesses are not facing commercial rates bills.

This three-month waiver is more focused than the previous nine-month one. According to Minister Burke, support is targeted at the businesses most severely affected by the Level 5 restrictions, such as the hair and beauty industry. Other sectors included included in the package are hospitality, leisure, childcare, entertainment and some retail.

The waiver of commercial rates beyond the first quarter of 2021 will be kept under review and considered in the context of public health guidelines.

“I am committed to supporting businesses, while also making sure our local authorities continue their own vital services to the public,” said Minister Burke. “Local authorities have always worked with rate payers of all types, and will continue to do so in these uncertain times. This measure will assist local authorities to balance their obligations to levy rates with the vital need to support employment and economic activity.

“Local authorities will play a vital role in regenerating the post-Covid local economies, and will engage with rate payers to offer enterprise support, relevant to their circumstances.”