County council misses out on millions in rates

Millions of euro is being potentially lost each year on providing vital council services in Co Cork because hundreds of businesses are not paying rates due to a backlog in valuations by a government-run department.

More than 600 businesses are still awaiting assessment by the Valuation Office, some of which haven’t paid a cent in rates since 2011.

The figures were obtained by Sinn Féin councillor Des O’Grady from council officials. They show that six businesses are still awaiting assessment for rates since 2011. A further 18 date from 2012, 151 from 2013, 67 from 2014, 226 from 2015 and 141 so far this year.