Cork's Fine Gael councillors oppose commercial rates hike on city traders

Council was considering rate increase of up to 3% to plug budget deficit

Commercial rates increase would lead to the closure of many businesses in the hospitality and retail sector, Cork councillor said.

Fine Gael’s Cork City councillors have united to oppose a commercial rates hike.

Their decision increases the pressure on city officials to find the savings required to plug a €2.5m shortfall before next week's 2025 budget meeting.