Call for rates exemption scheme to promote opening of vacant business properties
Local Fine Gael Councillor John Dolan has called for the introduction of a rates exemption scheme to encourage the reopening of vacant business premises in the Athlone-Moate Municipal District.
Addressing the Council Chamber during the Athlone-Moate Municipal District meeting, Cllr Dolan said the non-existence of a rates waiver was detrimental to the business community of Athlone.
"We have to try all that we can as a Municipal District to ensure that these vacant business premises have a possibility to reopen. The introduction of a rates exemption can only be a positive in this regard. This needs to happen in my opinion as it will be advantageous to the entire business community throughout our county. The shopfront enhancement scheme has proved very to be a very popular initiative undertaken by our local authority and I am certain that the introduction of a rates exemption would have a similar impact," Cllr Dolan said.
Town Mayor, Cllr Frankie Keena, said that the introduction of a business initiative scheme was the "way forward", while Cllr Aengus O'Rourke stated that such a measure should be examined via the Economic Development, Enterprise, Agriculture and Tourism Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) "as instructed by the Government".
"There are way too many store owners who simply do not care about their business premises, lowering the tone of our streets. As a Municipal District we are too lenient in this regard and in my view there should be penalties imposed on those who show no care for their business properties," Cllr O'Rourke stated.
In response, a council spokesperson stated that vacant properties in the towns and villages of the District have a negative environmental impact and reduce the vitality and viability of those centres.
"The Council is in favour of any actions that might incentivise the reuse of these properties and is available to support property owners in any way possible. The requirement to pay 20% on vacant properties is a penalty as are any levies that might apply to derelict properties.
"The Economic Development, Enterprise, Agriculture and Tourism SPC now has the autonomy in respect of a rates waiver scheme proposal to endorse or reject the scheme, endorse the renewal of an existing waiver scheme with or without amendment or reject the renewal of an existing waiver scheme," the council spokesperson said.