 There was a meeting Wednesday 15th June with a view to forming a Monaghan/Cavan/Donegal of the Employers for Affordable Rates. The EAR was formed in Wexford with a view to engaging with National Government on the issue of rates on businesses throughout the country; many feel the current system is outdated and causing huge problems. This is a National Campaign and similar meetings are being organized in all counties. The meeting, which was held in the Four Seasons Hotel was well attended with employers and concerned members of the public from counties Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal. A decision was taken to organize three committees – each dedicated to a specific county. All attendees raised the same concerns about economic conditions and inability to pay to rates. A further meeting will be held on Wednesday 29th June at 8pm Four Seasons Hotel – all interested parties are invited to attend and to show their support. A mass rally of the North West Counties (Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal) will be held on 7th July in the Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan 8pm. The goals of EAR are: 1) To push for urgent change on the wording of the Valuation Act to include economic change of circumstances for right of appeal. 2) Formulation of a strategy which will suggest an alternative system that will continue to fund local government in a more equitable and sustainable manner while taking into account our ability to pay. 3) Present one and two above to Government and continue to upscale our lobbying and action until Government make the necessary changes. Rates Facts: €1.35 billion paid by Irish businesses in the last year. Rate have risen by 300% since 1980 No leave to appeal – cannot appeal rates on inability to pay. Every job saved reduces the budget deficit by €20,000. 450 Retail Outlets that have closed in the first six weeks of 2011. Contributions to the running of our local services and public infrastructure is left to the commercial business sector with National Government also contributing. For Cavan businesses there is a meeting in the Kilmore Hotel Cavan, 8pm Wednesday 29th June 2011 with a planned meeting to be held in Donegal. In calling for a review of the system, businesses in Ireland are now uniting against the current system of commercial rates which is outdated and causing huge problems. E.A.R. Employers for Affordable Rates All business organizations have joined forces NOW This is a unique nationwide initiative on RATES So If your business is suffering from the burden of rates? If you are forced to make the decision to cut staff to pay rates? Why should business be the only funding source for local government? Employers want FAIR PLAY Are you willing to take a leadership role in your own region on the RATES issue? All business must stick together on the rates issue – it is too big for any one group Lower rates will save businesses and jobs Local government will earn less if businesses fail We won’t get change unless we stand together If you think you are paying too much and you are willing to organize your region then come to a REGIONAL MEETING ON RATES At The Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan 8pm Wednesday 29th June 2011 With a Mass Meeting of Monaghan/Cavan and Donegal businesses 7th July, 8pm in Four Seasons. Government must see that it’s job creation plan rest on the bedrock of the small & medium businesses All we ask for is a chance to survive. Have your voice heard. |
Thursday, 16 June 2011 11:52