Many business owners in Louth are struggling or unable to pay their commercial rates arrears, according to Fine Gael.

TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, said many businesses had been in contact with him and is calling on the Housing Minister to examine the prospect of introducing a commercial rates amnesty for firms in the area.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: "Small businesses are the lifeblood of the local economy in Louth, supporting jobs and communities, and we should help them, to not just survive, but to grow and realise their potential.

-- Advertisement --

"I would like to welcome the recently announced retail incentives by Louth County Council, the Small Business Support Scheme and the New Business Incentive Scheme.

"The Small Business Support Scheme will help businesses with a rate demand of €5,000 or less and give rates credit of up to 10%. Under the scheme rates, including arrears, must be discharged by 31 July 2016.

"The New Business Incentive Scheme will apply to new businesses in Drogheda, Dundalk and Ardee in properties vacant in excess of 2 years. It will mean a 50% reduction in Year 1 and a 25% reduction in Year 2.

"However, while these initiatives are welcome, I strongly believe that they do not go far enough to address the current situation with regards to the payment of commercial rates arrears."

(CD/MH)