Kildare rates 'should be reduced for town centre businesses'

Businesses based in County Kildare town centres should have to pay less rates than those based in out-of-town shopping centres.

That’s according to Cllr Evie Sammon who said town centres are the beating heart of urban communities but are under threat in many cases because customers are drawn to nearby shopping centres.

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She told a Kildare County Council meeting that these small retailers should have to pay less rates.

Cllr Sammon called for a dedicated town centre waiver because these independent businesses need to be encouraged and she pointed out that this should happen especially because KCC is looking at ways of regenerating town centres.

Cllr Suzanne Doyle said the vibrancy of town centres needs to be protected by KCC and the retailers in these areas  give town centres “a unique identity.”

Referring to some shopping centres, Cllr Doyle also said that KCC currently ignores its own policy that development should happen sequentially (in a planned rather than in a random fashion).

According to KCC only one commercial rate can be applied across the county.

However there is the option of introducing a single waiver scheme per year. In some cases a portion of rates paid can be refunded, up to 75% in the first year, reducing to 25% in year three. These refunds are capped at maximum figures of €7,500, €5,00 and €2,500.

A waiver scheme is to be brought to the councillors in September.