Laois commercial rates hike 'hard pill to swallow' - CEO of Laois Chamber
Laois County Council’s 5% hike on commercial rates comes at a “really really difficult time” says business leader
Laois business owners are facing an increased rates tax from Laois County Council, to help it balance the books in running the county’s services for 2027.
The council expects to collect over €17.3 million in commercial rates from business owners, covering an eighth of their 2027 budget.
The rates are rising from 5% to 7%, taking in a collective €700,000 extra from businesses.
It is a hard pill to swallow, according to the CEO of Laois Chamber Alliance.
Jackie Carroll attended Laois County Council’s draft budget meeting on November 9, where the 2027 budget was passed, approving €40.7 million to run and maintain roads, housing, services and public spaces for the coming year.
She gave her view afterwards to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.
“From my point of view, the budget comes at a time where it’s really really difficult to balance the books, and central Government has not resourced Laois County Council to the extent it needs.
“The 5% rates increase is going to be very hard for businesses to swallow. But the increase from 7% to 9% for the early payment incentive discount, will be helpful. But it is still a huge ask from businesses that are already under pressure.
“On the allocation to Laois Tourism from Laois County Council, that is always welcomed. But it really needs to be increased in future to promote Laois as a place to visit,” said the CEO, who last week welcomed Tánaiste Simon Harris to their office in Lyster Square, Portlaoise.
The council is offering back a small saving, which will cost it €85,000.
“In the context of the 5% increase, the Early Payment Incentive will increase from 7% to 9% in 2027, providing additional support to qualifying businesses that discharge their full rates liability within the financial year.”
The council say that the 5% hike in rates came after extensive engagement with county councillors.
They say that the extra €700,000 will be used to maintain local roads and footpaths throughout Laois.
“The measure has been carefully considered in the context of the significant increase in the cost of delivering council services, the impact of inflation in recent years, and the need to provide a sustainable funding base for essential local services.
“Commercial rates represent 12% of the council’s overall funding and are an important source of locally generated income, supporting the delivery of a wide range of services across County Laois.
“Up to 2026 there had been no increase in commercial rates since 2017. Over that period, cumulative inflation has placed significant pressure on the council’s expenditure base, with the additional cost of maintaining existing services substantially exceeding the additional income generated through growth in the Net Effective Valuation.”
The council points to their continued commitments to support local business.
These include the Facade Enhancement Scheme, Shop Front Improvement Programme, Night-Time Economy supports, Business Incentive Scheme and supports delivered through the Local Enterprise Office.
They say that their rates department works with businesses on flexible payment options.