I acknowledge that the Taoiseach has set up a task force for Tipperary town, but there is another problem there. I refer to a group of 27 small traders who are very spirited and want to make sure Tipperary town will remain open for business. This is a question for the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Eoghan Murphy. Roadworks have been ongoing in the town for more than a year and businesses have been adversely affected. Neither the county council nor anyone else will listen to them and reflect this in their rates bills. Small businesses are barely hanging on. Big businesses have let workers go because of the downturn in footfall caused by the roadworks. While we welcome the roadworks, there must be appreciation of these hardworking 27 business people. Some understanding should be reflected in the rates demanded of them while the inconvenience continues. It has continued for 12 months. There must be some acknowledgement of the role these businesses have played in revitalising the town.

I thank the Deputy for the question. I will speak to the local authority about whether there have been unnecessary delays in completing the roadworks which can have a very large impact on businesses. Rates alleviation and rates bills are matters for councillors who must decide if they want to target particular parts of the county to support certain businesses at certain times or encourage a particular type of economic activity. I will also speak to the local authority about the issue.