‘We can’t keep paying’

Tipperary Chamber of Commerce is urging commercial ratepayers to engage with the council amid disappointment over another rate increase in 2026.

The chamber has written to its members following Tipperary Co Council’s decision to increase the rate demand for this year by five percent. The council executive said the increase, which equates to an increased payment of €2.25 per week for the vast majority of ratepayers, was necessary in order to maintain services against a backdrop of rising costs. But, following a 5.5 percent hike for last year, there was widespread resistance to the rise, with many councillors arguing that the shortfall should be covered by central government rather than being sought from the local ratepayers.

Local publican Louise Cromer wrote to councillors in her area and asked them not to vote for a budget that would result in another rate increase. Ms Cromer, whose family has run the Tipperary Inn, Toomevara, for 25 years, was disappointed to see the budget passed despite her appeal.

‘ANOTHER KICK’

“It’s another kick when we’re trying our best to keep open,” she said of the rates increase. She had hoped that the council would at least cap the rates demand for two years, but feared it would increase again in various increments for several years to come.

“I understand everything has to go up, but there’s repercussions for that,” Ms Cromer said. “That has a knock-on effect for businesses. There’s only so much money in the pot.”

She made the point that local businesses are always asked to sponsor local clubs, organisations and events. She warned they would no longer be able to do this if their own income is eroded away. “We can’t keep paying out what we genuinely don’t have,” Ms Cromer exclaimed.

The Toomevara publican, who employs a staff of around 20 and also works as a schoolteacher, pointed out that many in the pub trade have been badly impacted by rising costs, and warned that there could be more pub closures in this area in 2026.

“You all want us to stay open. You all want us to do everything, X, Y and Z. You’re not thinking of the larger picture: at some point, it’s going to be too much and something is going to have to give. And there are people closing because they said: ‘Ah, I’ve had enough of this’.”

‘FORGOTTEN ABOUT’

Ms Cromer said she would not have a difficulty with increasing rates if she felt she was getting value for money. But she was of the view that larger urban centres like Nenagh and Roscrea benefit from rates, while smaller communities like Toomevara, Cloughjordan and Moneygall are “forgotten about”. She was particularly critical of street cleaning and lighting in Toomevara.

“I’m not anti-rates at all. I understand we need rates and we need services provided. But the services need to provided fairly, throughout all the community and we have to see some good from what we’re getting, because at the minute, we don’t see anything.”

INCENTIVE SCHEME

Tipperary Co Council pointed out that this county has the fourth lowest rate demand in the county. Ms Cromer countered that this must be weighed against what local ratepayers are earning compared to those of other counties.

The council agreed to a seven percent discount scheme for eligible ratepayers that clear their bill by July.

“To me, it’s not a huge incentive,” said Ms Cromer, who always tried to pay her rates within the first half of the year and said most ratepayers do likewise. She hoped some would benefit from the seven percent discount, but also asked of the council: “What are they going to do the following year then?”

CHAMBER ENGAGEMENT

Tipperary Chamber of Commerce recently met with the council to discuss the commercial rates increase, as well as enhancements to the Early Payment Incentive Scheme for 2026, including the seven percent reduction, capped at €700, and an increased eligibility threshold, now applying to businesses with an annual rates bill of up to €29,000.

CEO Michelle Aylward stated that the chamber welcomed any measure that provides savings to business. “However, we also highlighted that the incentive applies to a defined cohort of ratepayers only, and that many businesses do not qualify or may still face cash-flow pressures that make early payment difficult.

“Commercial rates remain a significant and unavoidable cost for businesses, particularly in the context of rising energy, insurance, wage and compliance costs. The chamber has been clear that incentives alone cannot address affordability and that flexibility and early engagement are essential for businesses under pressure.”

Ms Aylward said eligible business owners that are in a position to pay could contact the council to avail of the incentive scheme.

“Where early payment is not possible, early engagement with the council’s rates section is strongly advised, as this allows for discussion around payment arrangements and helps avoid issues escalating.

“The chamber will continue to engage constructively with the council and elected members on behalf of businesses across the county and will provide further updates as more detail becomes available.”

SIGNIFICANT FIXED COSTS

Ms Aylward said: “Commercial rates are one of the most significant fixed costs facing businesses. While incentives are helpful for some, they do not address affordability for all. The chamber is continuing to engage constructively with the council to raise these concerns and to ensure businesses are fully informed about available supports and engagement options.”

"The chamber believes there is a broader conversation to be had about how the commercial rates system supports town centre vitality and small businesses, and will continue to represent the views of businesses across Tipperary in ongoing discussions with the council and elected members."