Almost 200 appeals over new rates valuations in Kilkenny

There have been 196 appeals made by businesses in Kilkenny over their new rates valuation, it has emerged.

The national Valuation Office this year conducted a revaluation of all commercial properties throughout the county to come into effect for the year 2018. A new Valuation List was published in September.

Ratepayers dissatisfied with their new valuation fixed on the property or any of the details contained in the Valuation Certificate have the right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal, an independent body established to determine such appeals.

At the annual budget meeting of Kilkenny County Council last month, head of finance Martin Prendiville revealed that 61% of customers will see a reduction in rates. The revaluation process didn’t yield any additional income, and he warned of the potential of a loss as a result of this appeals process.

The figure of 196 appeals in Kilkenny was revealed in a Dail question by Deputy Joan Burton regarding the number of appeals made regarding rateable valuations for each local authority area under the revaluation 2017 programme. It translates to an overall appeal rate of 6.85% for the county.