Galway Bay FM News Archives
Rates hike would be the last straw for struggling businesses
Date Published: 29-Jun-2011
Struggling businesses in Galway could be set for a shock financial blow, after it emerged this week that a full rates revaluation of all premises in another local authority area is being based on rent levels from 2006.
If a similar valuation date is employed when commercial and industrial premises in Galway are revalued, businesses here could face massive hikes in rates based on rent from the height of the property boom.
The news comes as a crowd of between 600 and 700 business people are expected to attend a meeting in Galway city next week demanding affordable rates for employers and reform of the rates regime.
The mass meeting, planned by voluntary organisation Employers for Affordable Rates (EAR), will hear criticism of the system in which struggling businesses have their commercial rates assessed.
During a discussion on rates by councillors this week, the County Council’s Head of Finance Ger Mullarkey suggested they should ‘hold fire’ on the rates issue, as the Valuations Office is currently revaluing every business and commercial premises in Dublin City Council’s jurisdiction – and basing the valuations on rent levels from 2005/6.
The Valuation Office – the State property valuation agency – is currently in the process of revaluing commercial and industrial properties for local authorities across the country.
At the moment, it is revaluing Dublin City Council, which will take up to two years, according to Mr Mullarkey.
It has already completed its revaluations in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Fingal and South Dublin County Councils.
See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
Galway has a population of young people which is more than twice the national average.
According to information gathered by the Central Statistics Office, Galway’s population of 20 to 24 year olds is more than twice the national average.
The number of 25-34 year olds in Galway is also more than the norm nationally, with the two main colleges thought to be the main reason.
However immigration in Galway is much higher than in other areas at 19.4 percent, compared to the national average of 12 percent.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A city councillor is encouraging people to donate goods directly to charity shops.
It follows allegations of thefts from clothes banks in Galway and across the country in recent months.
However, cameras are in place at some clothes banks and surveillance is carried out by local authorities.
Speaking on Galway Talks, Councillor Neil McNeilis said the problem of theft from clothes banks is widespread.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A park ‘n’ ride scheme from Carnmore into Galway city could become a permanent service if there is public demand.
That’s according to the Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Michael Coyle.
The pilot scheme will begin at 7.20 next Monday morning, May 13th.
Motorists will be able to park cars at the airport carpark in Carnmore and avail of a bus transfer to Forster Street in the city.
Buses will depart every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at offpeak times throughout the day, at a cost of 2 euro per journey.
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