No money for council if business shuts - Laois council warned

Laois County Council will get nothing in rates if rural businesses are forced to shut due to rising costs.

Issuing the warning, Cllr Ollie Clooney called for a “more sympathetic view” of the challenges facing small businesses in rural Laois when it comes to the levying rates. He urged the local authority to recogise the high costs faced.

“If a small business closes the council will get nothing...They are having it very difficult to make ends meet. They are barely hanging on. A review of all rates in rural Laois should be undertaken,” he said.

He was backed by Cllr John King, Fine Gael. “I know of shops that when the bills are paid they would not have as much as you would get on social welfare,” he said.

He said only pride and willingness to keep alive in the village is what is keeping them going.

Nine Laois families and 18 single people homeless

The issue was highlighted at a recent meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District.