Businesses in Leitrim say an increase in rates in 2022 is bad timing for many who are struggling to get back on their feet after the Covid 19 restrictions.
The local authority will charge an extra 3% for rates in 2022, which it says will match fund projects worth a total of €345m as part of a strategic capital investment programme.
Officials say 80% of ratepayers in the county pay less than €3,000 per year and the 3% rise would mean €60 extra for anyone who pays around €2,000 per year
Speaking to Shannonside FM news, retailers in Carrick on Shannon say it's been a tough number of years, with the disruption caused by the public realm works, then to face closure during much of 2021.
Auctioneer Gordon Hughes has premises in both Ballinamore and Carrick on Shannon.
He says while he understands that there is a low base of rate payers in Leitrim, a scheme to attract more businesses to vacant sites might yield greater income:
