VFI calls for flooding rates relief

In light of the recent flooding in the West, the VFI has contacted the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Mr Alan Kelly TD asking that he instruct local authorities to give those business affected by the floods a 12-month exemption from commercial rates.

“The €5m flood relief fund is very welcome, as is the trust-based system that’s being operated in the first phase,” said VFI Chief Executive Padraig Cribben, “However we’re calling for more measures to help pubs and indeed all small businesses in areas affected. We’re specifically proposing that businesses affected be given a 12-month exemption from commercial rates in 2016.

“The initial funds of up to €5,000 and more will help repair the damage caused but the loss of income due to closure at such a vital time for pubs and retailers in particular will be much more significant in many places. In order to help get businesses back on their feet and to protect vulnerable jobs, taking away the burden of commercial rates would help enormously and would be easy to administer. It must be realised that for many retail businesses these weeks are normally more important than any others in the year. For that reason also this measure is imperative.”