Fianna Fáil Senator for Roscommon/Galway Eugene Murphy has welcomed the fact that the Government has announced an extension of the current commercial rates waiver for an additional 3 months, covering July to September.
This waiver extension was announced as part of the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan.
The Government previously announced that the commercial rates waiver put in place for the first quarter of 2021 had been extended to the second quarter and it is now to be further extended to the third quarter.
“This is most welcome and will continue to assist and help businesses which are struggling to survive during these difficult times. The waiver is intended to continue supporting eligible businesses as they adjust to the reopening of the economy and recover from the impact of the pandemic. Businesses currently eligible for the waiver will continue to be eligible for the waiver for quarter three,” said Senator Murphy.
As has been the case with the 2021 to date, automatic eligibility applies to:
• Retail
• Hospitality including hotels, pubs and restaurants, leisure, and entertainment
• Personal services such as hairdressers and barbers
• Health services
• Various other categories
It is estimated that the extension of the waiver in the third quarter of 2021 will cost €160 million.
“The cost of the waiver is expected to be in the region of €160m with over €4m of that going to Roscommon County Council and over €10m to Galway County Council which gives support to Local Authorities to continue to carry out their work in the provision of key services. It has been a very difficult time for many businesses as they continue to struggle with the impact of the pandemic so this extension of the commercial waiver will help them as they begin to re-open,” concluded Senator Murphy.
