Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman has written to the two other Coalition leaders, Minister for Finance Jack Chambers and Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe outlining the proposal. Photograph: Paul Sharp/Sharppix/PAis pushing for a €175 million rates refund spread across an estimated 100,000 small firms in an attempt to help them meet their costs and boost footfall in town centres.
Party sources said the commitment on an ongoing basis was being sought as the scheme is designed for small businesses and is, therefore, more targeted and can be made permanently. The Greens also believe the policy is in line with their core goals of revitalising and investing in town centres first by encouraging footfall and avoiding dereliction.
“In recent years, however, we’ve seen more and more family names disappear from over shop doors to be replaced by big brands or even worse, empty spaces.” A similar rates refund has proved effective in Scotland, she said.