Carlow councillor critical of new rules for owners of empty commercial units

A Carlow councillor is expressing concerns over the council’s decision to charge vacant premises 5% of the value of rates.

The council wanted to introduce a 10% rate instead but after Friday’s meeting this was reduced to 5%.

Councillor Fintan Phelan says he doesn’t think business owners should be taxed if they have a vacant property and that’s why he objected to the proposal.

However, other councillors have praised the move and hope it will incentivise the owners to do something with the buildings and not leave them empty.