Dublin Chamber welcomes commercial-rates reduction

Dublin Chamber of Commerce has welcomed a decision by Dublin City Council to reduce commercial rates for 2013.

Rates are a property-based source of income levied by Dublin City Council on the occupiers of commercial and industrial properties, including shops, offices and factories.

At their annual budget meeting in the city last night, Dublin City Councillors voted to lower the rates by 0.5% for next year.

Chief executive of Dublin Chamber of Commerce Gina Quin said she was hopeful that the other three Dublin councils would also vote to reduce their rates in the coming weeks.

"We hope they will follow suit…and also reduce the rates," she said.