Jobs and commercial property revaluations
Senator Murnane O'Connor welcomed new jobs in Carlow, then raised concerns about local property revaluations and the appeals system, especially unfair rates for crèches and pubs. The Leader teased her briefly but did not resolve the issue.
I agree with previous speakers. I welcome the announcement today of 120 new jobs at Merck, Sharp & Dohme in Carlow. It is a great achievement for Carlow, along with all the other new jobs announced throughout the country. Merck, Sharp & Dohme provides great employment in Carlow, as do many other factories. Well done to them all.
Comment on this
I want to revisit the issue of revaluations, about which I have grave concerns.
Comment on this
I am raising this issue again today because a new appeals system will come into effect in September. While there have been meetings held by some local authorities around the criteria and so on, there are also new categories provided for this time. I am calling on the Leader to ask the relevant Minister to come to the House to address this issue, which is not only a Carlow issue but a national issue. In regard to crèches, for example, the rate applicable to a purpose-built crèche is cheaper than the rate applicable to a crèche located in a house. That is unacceptable. There are pubs and other businesses similarly affected. This new appeals system needs to work. As I understand it, it will be similar to the system that applies in respect of the local property tax. There have already been rate increases in certain areas and decreases in others. If we do not get this right, businesses will close.
When I last raised this issue, the Leader told me it was a matter for the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Deputy Coveney. However, I have since found out that the system has changed and it now comes within the remit of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to come to the House to address us on this issue? Members of her own party do not know who is in charge of the revaluation process. As I said, this is a national issue and there is a great deal of confusion around it in different areas. Can I count on the Leader to have the Minister come to the House to address us on the matter?
Comment on this
The Senator could have met her in Carlow on Friday night.