Laois GAA pay €32,000 in rates to Laois County Council on O'Moore Park Portlaoise

Laois GAA Centre of Excellence is paying almost €32,000 in business rates a year, but should not have to pay anything, a Fianna Fáil councillor has said.

Cllr Paschal McEvoy, Treasurer of Laois GAA, has asked Laois County Council to request an exemption for sporting clubs to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

He explains why he believes it is unfair, focusing on Laois GAA's headquarters on the Abbeyleix road in Portlaoise.

"Laois GAA came in at nearly €32,000 a year in rates. I accept there is a bar there, but everything that comes in goes back out to improve facilities for the general public.

"While they might show a profit for one year, there could be a deficit the next.  They don't have enough room. We are going to integrate camogie and ladies football. They have to get more land. We have to provide safe facilities for male and females and to do that they need more land.

"They have three pitches and the centre of excellence. They have to provide funding through their own income from gates. They are fundraising to pay the rates. It doesn't make sense to me. 

"We're not a business. We are a voluntary organisation to provide sport for the county. If there is a match with 20,000 spectators, we have to give 15% to central funds. How many hotel beds, pubs and restaurants are we supporting? 

"I do know there are discussions, there might be something in the next financial bill," Cllr McEvoy said.

His motion was tabled to the October council meeting, seconded by Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald.

"This should be applied to all sports clubs and voluntary organisations," she said.

Cllr Aisling Moran asked was it fair if Croke Park, the FAI and Irish rugby stadium did not pay rates, as they host big concerts.

"A lot of small businesses are on their knees. A lot close because they don't have VAT payments to stay afloat. If a profit is made on a bar, and yet a small business is on its knees paying higher minimum wages, now 10 days sick pay, that has to be considered. I agree on small local clubs to train paying no rates. But if a business like Croke Park is making massive profits it would be very unfair if they pay none," she said.

Cllr McEvoy said he was "only wearing a Laois hat" and that Croke Park pays "massive rates".

"Croke Park probably has €60 million in the bank at the moment. All money that goes to Laois GAA goes back into coaching, into schools. If they didn't have fundraisers they'd be running up massive debt. Clubs get €40,000 or €50,000 a year from the draw. Business rates only came in in the last five years.

"Laois County Council gave us a very fair hearing up to now, I imagine that might be the same again," he said.

Cllr Tommy Mulligan, a member of Laois GAA agrees.

"I agree, it's so hard on local volunteers and clubs to fundraise. If we can support them, we should," he said.