‘What exactly do we get for our rates?’

Judge Olann Kelleher’s pronouncements on the commercial rates system in Cork have struck a chord with business owners across Munster.

“He’s dead right,” was the response of Brian Cleary, chief executive of Clonmel Chamber of Commerce. Mr Cleary said the key question businesspeople often ask is: “What exactly do we get for our rates?”

Of the €16m income received by Clonmel Borough Council, €6.2m (37.5%) comes from rates.