2% rates cut hailed as good news for South Roscommon businesses

A 2% cut in rates agreed in Roscommon has been hailed as good news for businesses in Monksland and the south of the county. At the budget meeting of the local authority, held just prior to the Christmas break, members voted through the Fianna Fáil/Independent group's proposal of a 2% cut in the rates for 2013. Water charges will unchanged over the next twelve months. Cllr Paddy Kilduff, the current Vice Chairperson of Roscommon County Council, has hailed the rates reduction as welcome news for businesses struggling in South Roscommon at present. "I'm very proud of that cut because since myself and Cllr John Keogh set up the Fianna Fáil alliance with the Independent members and took control of the council, we have managed in four years to cut the rates by 5%," he stated. "In the previous 20 years even when the Celtic Tiger was roaring the rates went up," Cllr Kilduff (FF) highlighted pointedly, adding that the grouping hopes to be able to continue with the trend of reducing rates next year. The situation was possible when an anticipated 8% cut in the allocation from the Local Government Fund turned out to be a reduction of just 0.88%, given the payment of household charge has now passed 70% in the county. This meant an extra €1.1 million was available to reallocate in the budget. "2% means a lot to businesses. 5% over the four years is a good bit. Everything helps businesses. We were also able to keep the water rates the same which is important for businesses like restaurants with heavy usage of water," Cllr Kilduff added. Many local businesses are on their knees and, while 2% is a small cut, it is a small source of comfort to businesses to have less rates to pay in 2013, he concluded, adding that he is hopeful the local authority will be able to find savings and keep the trend of rate reductions into 2014, the local election year.