'We need the money' - Kilkenny councillors stand over commericial rate hike

A number of elected representatives of Kilkenny County Council have reaffirmed their support of last week’s budget decision to increase commercial rates for local businesses.

Earlier this month, the local authority unanimously adopted a proposed budget which will avoid any cuts to core services, but lead to the increased rates.

Although the Council will boost funding for many core services without cuts, the raised expenditure will be partly financed by a 4% hike in commercial rates for businesses. 

READ NEXT: Fears some Kilkenny retailers may be pushed 'over the edge' as rates increase 

However, a waiver scheme means that premises who are paying €3,000 or less will see an average cost of only €30 more annually. - READ MORE DETAILS HERE

CLLR MARIA DOLLARD - "I was happy to vote for the increase," she said, noting the worldwide cost increases in materials and other items.

"I suppose what we argued for is as fair an increase as possible to protect the smaller businesses and as businesses get bigger, they’re more able to shoulder an increase," she added.

"We want to be honest with people about providing the level of services that we’re currently providing and to develop the city in a way that meets the housing needs of the most hard pressed people in Kilkenny and at the same time, maintain and improve our environment, meets our economic, social and climate change commitments.

CLLR SEAN Ó HARGAIN - "I think it’s fair as the services that the council provide are very important to business, just as well as they are to the citizens who use them. For business to thrive in Kilkenny, we need a vibrant local economy," he said.

"As somebody who grew up in a small business all my life, and who was involved in a small business in Kilkenny for a number of years, I appreciate the difficulties there are, and the struggles that there are," he noted, adding, council staff are doing all they can to lower costs and signs should be erected to indicate where public funds are invested.

READ MORE: 'Getting it in the guts' - Kilkenny trader hits back at increase in premises rates

CLLR JOE MALONE - "We need the money and we have to keep the ship afloat and in fairness we have the festivals now, national and international. You have more than one reason to come to Kilkenny."

CLLR EUGENE MCGUINNESS - "In general terms I supported the budget," McGuinness revealed.

"We are so far behind in rates when you compare us to other counties that it’s a modest increase in my opinion."

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