Traders told: use festive bonanza to pay rates

Retailers’ Christmas gift to the city should be ‘coughing up’ rates arrears, a former mayor blasted.

City businesses estimate the Christmas Market in Eyre Square this year will boost their coffers by up to €20 million.

And City Councillor Pádraig Conneely says businesses should use that festive bonanza to pay their rates’ bills.

The Fine Gael councillor called on the business community to use the Christmas ‘spend’ to pay their rates. The City Council would then reinvest the money back into improving the city, which would in turn help businesses, he said.

Last week retailer and Labour City Councillor Niall McNelis cited research that showed some the market would attract 600,000 visitors and boost city business to the tune of €20 million.

Cllr Conneely is sceptical, however.

He said: “City businesses say that the market will generate €20 million and retailers have welcomed that. I welcome that spend too, €20 million is a lot of money. Although I have my doubts about where they’re getting this €20 million figure from, I think it could be just spin, but if it is true it has to be welcomed.

“Everyone is saying what a great year this has been for Galway: We’re told it was the biggest spend for Galway Races in years; we’re told it was the biggest spend for Galway Arts Festival in years; we’re told it has been the best season for tourism in years.

“But this bumper year is not reflected in the level of rates being paid to the city. Where’s the money gone? Where are all the millions of Euro that have been generated this year, which we’re told is a record year for businesses. That’s not reflected in the rates bills paid.

“If the city businesses, and particularly the hospitality and retail sectors, are having such a bumper year, and a bumper Christmas, then they must be in a position to pay their rates bills, which the Council will reinvest in the city,” said Cllr Conneely.

He pointed out that the city is owed almost €30 million in rates arrears. The total due this year was €52.7 million, which was €35 million for this year plus €17.7 million in arrears.