Leitrim businesses seek rebates after power outages

There have been calls for rates rebates for businesses impacted by adverse weather conditions that have disrupted their operations.

Rates rebates are reductions or refunds on commercial rates, such as local property tax on businesses, provided to eligible ratepayers under specific conditions.

At March’s meeting of Leitrim County Council, Cllr Enda Stenson proposed a motion requesting that a rates rebate be considered for businesses affected by recent power outages.

He highlighted that small business owners had faced repeated difficulties throughout the winter and more recently.

In his motion, he noted he had received numerous enquiries from business owners requesting a rates rebate due to recent power and water outages.

A reply from the Head of Finance and Water Services stated that implementing a rates rebate scheme, as suggested in Cllr Stenson’s motion, would require consideration at a national level.

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The reply also referenced the commercial rates waiver during Covid, where central Government covered commercial rates on behalf of businesses that were closed or severely impacted.

“Can we add our voice to this?” Cllr Stenson questioned the response.

“I think it should happen and I thought that we would have more authority over our own destination rather than wait for a national reply,” he added.

Cllr Stenson’s motion was seconded by Cllr Ita Reynolds-Flynn among others.

Cllr Barry pointed out that many businesses had to close for up to two weeks following the recent storm.

Cllr O’Rourke argued that the relevant Department should provide Leitrim County Council with funding equivalent to the commercial rates lost during power outages, emphasising that some businesses are still only partially operational due to storm damage.

It was agreed that Cllr Stenson’s motion would be forwarded to central Government.

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