Relief for businesses as council agrees 5% rate rebate

Around 65% of businesses in Cork county will get a rates rebate of 5% next year, with the local authority signalling it will not make any increases in commercial charges until at least 2021.

The moves are part of a plan by the local authority to help small retailers who have suffered during the recession, and to encourage job creation.

The council has also set aside €1m to support business redevelopment in town centres which were decimated by the economic downturn.