‘Rates changes could put retailers out of business' – Mullingar Town Team

Recent changes to the rates system could put some local retailers out of business, Mullingar Town Team has warned.

According to figures from the organisation, nearly 60 percent of Mullingar retailers will see an increase in their rates this year. The Town Team are holding a meeting to the discuss the changes and the impact that they will have on businesses in the Annebrook House Hotel today Wednesday, January 31, at 8pm.

The introduction of the new rates valuation system will hit the retail sector hardest, the Town Team say. While the majority of the ratepayers in the office, industrial and hospitality sectors will see a reduction in rates this year, according to the Town Team’s figures; the town’s retailers will be hit particularly hard with almost 60 percent set to experience an increase.

In a statement issued this week, the Town Team’s Angela Maher says that some retailers have expressed concerns that the increases will put them out of business.

“This is a public meeting and is open to everyone who would like to contribute to the discussion about the recent changes to the rates revaluation system.

“Mullingar Town Team has been contacted by some retailers who are experiencing rates increases that they may not be able to sustain.

“We have invited the four TDs for Longford Westmeath, the two elected senators and the elected members of Westmeath County Council.

“We are concerned about the impact of the increased rates on the businesses in Mullingar town. We have been contacted by business people from other towns and they too have concerns about the rates increase. This meeting is open to any business person who believes that the new rates will impact on their business.

“It is the intention of Mullingar Town Team to highlight the concerns of local business people, to the decision makers in government.”