Rates reprieve needed for newly opened businesses, says councillor
Cllr Annie May Reape has called for a rates-free period of a minimum for 6 months for new businesses
A local councillor has called for new business owners to be given a 6-month reprieve from paying commercial rates.
Cllr Annie May Reape said in the context of regenerating towns and villages, there is a strong argument for exemptions for people opening a business. The Fianna Fail councillor called on Mayo Co Co to grant a 6-month minimum rates-free period in such cases.
She told a meeting of the Ballina Municipal District of a business that had closed as the owner had emigrated.
One of the employees reestablished the business but was hit with a large rates bill as soon as the business was reopened.
“There has to be some form of reprieve, especially coming into winter. It is better to see our shops open than having them close,” she said.
