Roadworks and reduction in rates

fergalfriel

Hi all,
I'm hoping somebody can help me out.
There are extensive on going roadworks tking place outside my business which are likely to last over a year. I have been touch with the Galway Co. Council to see if I could get a rates reduction, but they have said that this is not an option.
Does anybody know of anybody getting such a reduction, in similar circumstances anywhere else in country?
I feel if I can show them that this has happened elsewhere, then I may be listened to.

Thanks

Mickk

I know some of the shops at the bottom of the hill on the chapelizod road refused to pay any rates as the road was closed for three months... You could possibly contact them and see how it worked out, I cant find anything on google about it.

EKRIUQ

From my experience talking to councils is like banging your head against walls and when your talking about rates (Their blood money), can't see you getting anywhere.

Mr Clonfadda

Count yourself lucky you have road works.

where i work is in rural business park and there is a company selling to Musgrave group and the big trucks come along roads hardly big enough for cars to pass. :eek::eek:

We have to pay rates even though the roads are too small, the surfaces are shocking the county council don't collect Waste and there is no water mains.:mad::mad:

DubTony

I had this situation a little less than 2 years ago. The road outside my shop was being resurfaced (dug up and relaid, as it should be) but access to my shop was severely restricted. I was the only shop in town, so the hit wasn't as bad as it could be. However, when they blocked the car park for 3 days, turnover was down 40%. I rang the council and they sent out their rates collector () to discuss it with me. I suggested to her that I would pay a reduced rate based on the the percentage I was down for that period of time (about 15%) and worked it out for her. She did well to keep the laughter in. All told, the amount when compared to the annual rates was a pittance (less than €100) but I was trying to make a point. She came back a few days later and told me that she'd spoken to "the man inside" and he told her there was nothing they could do.

I'd say that if they did it for one business they'd set a precedent, and I doubt that will ever happen.

A local councillor told me that "these people" are a law unto themselves. He was amazed at how little influence a councillor has. (His first term) What he said next was exactly what I think most of us suspect anyway. "Sure the likes of me have no say whatsoever in how the thing runs. We're like wallpaper in the room at meetings."