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.

The more some landlords have, the more they want. Greed is an evil that is fast eating away the heart of the commercial sector in this country. Some years ago, it was the absentee landlords, until we took to the streets in protest against the unjust demands of these vultures. Jackboot tactics were employed by absentee landlords and Irish landlords are adopting similar draconian measures. Much covets more. Regardless of how tough times are, it is all take and no give. In such cases, would it be too much to ask landlords to forego five years’ rent to allow the tenant build up financial losses?

Many shops are closing down, due to leases forcing them to pay exorbitant rents.

It doesn’t make sense. These shops will close and the next tenant will pay a lower rent.

In an effort to bring some semblance of justice to the commercial sector, I would appeal to the Minister for Justice, in his new law reform on commercial rates, to create a mechanism to allow tenants to buy their way out of existing leases, thus helping many struggling commercial concerns.

Cllr Noel Collins

Midleton

Co Cork