Fine Gael Chief Whip Paul Kehoe TD has called on Environment & Local Government Minister John Gormley to instruct local authorities to issue a waiver in respect of commercial and water rates for businesses currently not trading due to flood damage.

“In towns throughout the country many businesses have been forced to close as a result of flood damage. These same businesses, particularly those in the retail trade, should be enjoying their busiest period. Instead they are currently unable to trade. For many, the pre-Christmas trading period had been a hoped-for and much needed life-line for their businesses, many of which were already struggling in a difficult economic climate.

“Very simply I am calling on John Gormley to instruct local authorities to issue a waiver on commercial and water rates for businesses that are currently closed due to flood damage. There is no justification for local authorities to seek payment of rates from businesses whichi are not in a position, through no fault of their own, to operate their business and generate revenue and cash-flow at a very important time.

“Unfortunately for many businesses, despite their own best efforts, the flood damage and loss of pre-Christmas trade will be the final nail in the coffin. For those who believe they can salvage their businesses from this dreadful situation, John Gormley must make sure that commercial and water rates do not hinder them in the process.”