Galway - Rates to apply to vacant premises.

[Coles2]

Here’s an interesting article in the Connacht Sentinel, May 11th 2010.

‘Landlords of empty retail units around Galway City will soon be forced to pay commercial rates in a move that has the potential to slash rents for businesses.’

It’s refreshing to see this presented as a positive move. No doubt there’ll be some annoyed letters to the Editor from the advertisers on the property pages.

‘Not only would the reduced rents be a lifeline to existing struggling businesses in the city centre, it would serve as an incentive for the creation of new businesses.’

Unfortunately they overstate the benefit of it, as it won’t benefit businesses in existing upward only leases.

‘Already, Dublin and Cork cities are permitted to impose the levy on empty units.’

But do they? Anyone know?

[Coles2]

@Coles2

‘Already, Dublin and Cork cities are permitted to impose the levy on empty units.’

But do they? Anyone know?

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[The_AH_Guy]

@Coles2

@Coles2

‘Already, Dublin and Cork cities are permitted to impose the levy on empty units.’

But do they? Anyone know?
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I know that DCC apply rates to vacant premises. You pay the full rates for the unit but if it is vacant for the year you get half the money back. In summary, you pay half rates on a vacant premises. I believe the other Dublin councils operate in a similar way.

[Coles2]

Many thanks, AH Guy.

Here’s some info from Dublin City Council.

*'If you are the owner of a vacant property upon which rates are paid, you may be entitled to a refund. This refund amounts to 1/24th (one twenty-fourth) of the charge for every full month in which the property was vacant (up to a maximum of 50%).

To qualify for a refund, your premises must meet the following criteria:

1. It must be vacant on the date the rates becomes payable, for the year being claimed.
2. It must have been vacant for one of the following reasons:
      a) Vacant for letting (not for sale)
      b) Vacant for repairs or alterations
      c) Vacant pending demolition or re-development'*

[temene]

Cork City Council do levy rates on vacant business premises.
When the legislation(plural) was enacted in the 30s & 40s, it named Dublin, Cork, Limerick as the cities where rates could be levied on vacant commercial premises.
It is estimated that Galway misses out on a €1m revenue stream by being unable to tax empty premises.
debates.oireachtas.ie/dail/2011/06/15/00021.asp

[2Pack]

Some very prominent business names in Galway will be walloped by this move. There are premesis in the city that were never occupied at all. eg > goo.gl/maps/mmWK3

[treaty_exile]

I’ll believe it when the story makes the the Tuam Herald.

[Magpie]

@2Pack

Some very prominent business names in Galway will be walloped by this move. There are premesis in the city that were never occupied at all. eg > goo.gl/maps/mmWK3

The NIB premises next to this building will soon be empty.

Has the North Point park on the Tuam road managed to get tenants in?

Baily Point in Salthill is mostly empty.

What about the ‘techworks’ place above the new coach station, any tenants?

[2Pack]

Be more or less a no to all of those Magpie.