Greedy landlords closing shops

With the economic recession compounded by greedy landlords and the relentless increase in annual rates — with last year and this year the exceptions — many commercial concerns have closed. Others struggle for survival.

The rates on premises are governed by legislation from 1838, 1852 and the act of 2001. The legal advice is “that existing leases could not be amended, but a working group is being considered concerning commercial rates.”

I appreciate, and thank, all concerned for their efforts to ease the strain and pain of the annual rates demand, which has been responsible for sending many rate-payers to an early grave. Likewise, with leases and the Revenue Commissioners.