Business people tell Minister of rates concerns

A meeting of businesspeople representing South Kildare with Minister Simon Coveney over commercial rates concerns was facilitated by Deputy Martin Heydon, writes Brian Byrne.

The group at the meeting on Wednesday included representatives from from across retail, industry and the equine sectors.

The Minister told them he had received approval for the heads of a bill on the issue from cabinet this week which will allow new legislation to be prepared on the collection of rates. This new legislation will give more power to local authorities around collection and alleviation measures, and Deputy Heydon said he will play role in developing the legislation as it passes through the Dail in coming weeks.

Pictured with the Deputy at the meeting are Ted Walsh, Simon Cross, Marcella O’Reilly, Neil McDonnell, Cllr Ivan Keatley and Adrian Conlon.