In Dáil Éireann this week, Deputy Danny Healy Rae raised the issue of spiralling, commercial rate increases with the coming on stream of the new valuation figures since the beginning of the year.
Commercial properties in Kerry have become exposed to a massive increase in rates in many instances.
“The demands received in recent days have doubled, trebled and have even gone up to four times the amounts they normally paid back over the years,” said Deputy Healy Rae.
Increased Valuations and Appeals
“Many traders appealed the increased valuations by the due date in October 2023 and approximately 260 appeals are still with the valuation office. Many others, however, have yet to appeal and are in the process of engagement with Tailte Éireann and with the valuation tribunal,” he said.
With his finger on the pulse of the struggling business sector of his county and his constituents, Deputy Danny said that many traders in Kerry are contemplating financial ruin with the increased and unreasonable demands they have received.
Pause the Demands
“I am asking that the Valuation Tribunal pause the demands that are being disputed until they are resolved.
In response, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar thanked Deputy Healy Rae for his question.
“When there is a revaluation, some people see their rates go up and others see them going down. “Overall, there is no increase in revenue. People are encouraged to make appeals to the Valuation Tribunal but I will check with the Minister about the delays there and if something can be done in the interim,” said Mr. Varadkar in, probably, his last encounter with Deputy Danny before he stepped down as Taoiseach earlier this week.
Closure is the Only Option
We have all seen and heard about the rising costs of carrying on a business in the Ireland of today and the struggles of the owners to keep their doors open before the final and crushing realisation that closure is the only remaining option.
Deputy Danny Healy Rae will be well aware of the loss of previously thriving businesses in the area of catering in Killorglin. Castleisland, this week, was dealt another blow with the loss of its highly regarded Nana Bea’s Restaurant.
Danny Healy Rae, TD is taking his role quite literally by taking the messages of his despairing constituents to Dáil Eireann.
Shift in the Mood of the People
There are many others in positions of responsibility who should do likewise. Like those in the offices, mentioned by Deputy Healy Rae. They’re dealing with the appeals of the people with little or no regard for the sense of crushing urgency felt by those, almost literally, on the ground.
There is a huge shift in the mood of the people of Ireland at present and it would be foolish to go on ignoring it. It’s not shifting to a plane that will suit those who ignore the kind of appeals and pleas that Deputy Danny Healy Rae brought before Dáil Éireann this week.
One thing is for certain, those running for office in the coming elections will hear all about it on the doorsteps and on the decimated streets of towns and villages around the country.
Romantic Ireland is dead and gone. A thorough investigation is under way into its demise.
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