Limerick traders in crisis talks over rates

LIMERICK traders have held crisis talks with the city council as plummeting business has left some with not enough money to pay their commercial rates.

The talks came as City Hall sent out rates demand letters.

Hard-pressed business people recently staged a protest in the centre of O’Connell to highlight their plight.

City manager Tom Mackey insisted the normal collection of rates was taking place.

“This is the normal course of business– we have been collecting rates for hundreds of years and we have to continue to collect them.

“We have an obligation to collect the rates; once the rates are levied, it becomes a payment that is due and we have an obligation to collect the money.”

Limerick City Business Association claim they are being hit with high rates while, at the same time, they have to put up with what they claim are unfair parking fines, litter and poor marketing. Eleanor O’Brien a member of the association said city centre trade has reached an all-time low.

She said: “The city has been expected to produce and provide (rates revenue) and you get nothing back. Shops in the city centre are providing more employment than anywhere else in Limerick, yet we are paying the highest cost for that. We need the city council to take us seriously. We are paying their wages.”

Tony Daley who has been in business in Limerick for 52 years said the local authority has taken its eye off the city centre. “We are not averse to paying our rates but, when you do pay, you expect value for money.”

Deputy city manager Kieran Lehane said traders facing difficulties paying their rates, should come and talk with them.

He said: “Of course business is down but people still have bills to pay. Anybody who is in any difficulty will have to come and talk to the city council. We will listen attentively to what people have to say and we will work out an arrangement which should be mutually beneficial.

“What is important to say is that the management and mayor of Limerick are fully committed to helping the city. We realise there are difficulties out there but we are doing our best to show people that Limerick is a good place to do business, to invest in, and shop in.

“I still think Limerick has the strongest offering in the region, but there are issues there and if the city council can help address those issues, we will put our shoulder to the wheel – in partnership with other interests in the city centre.”