Roscommon and Leitrim sports clubs to benefit from extension of rate exemptions – Hopkins
25th September 2014 - Fine Gael Press Office
Fine Gael candidate in the Roscommon/South Leitrim bye-election, Maura Hopkins, has welcomed the announcement by Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Simon Harris, that an amendment is to be made to ease the rates burden on many local sports clubs.
“An amendment to the Valuation (Amendment)(No.2) Bill 2012 will mean sports clubs that previously paid rates on its bar and on sporting buildings, will now only pay rates for the part of the building that generates income i.e. the bar in most cases. In practical terms this will reduce significantly the size of the building for which sports clubs must pay rates and it will provide a welcome boost for clubs provided by volunteers for volunteers.
“Local sports clubs are the backbone of many communities in Roscommon and Leitrim and these clubs are run by people giving freely of their time. Many of the clubs are largely financed from fundraising in the local community. The change announced by Minister Harris, and which Fine Gael has been advocating for many years, is a great boost to local sports clubs.
“Buildings that are used for the sale of alcohol or food, retail outlets etc. will be rated but buildings that are used for community sport will be exempt. If a sports club’s only commercial facility is the bar then it is only the bar and ancillary facilities that will be rated.
“This is an example of a piece of legislation that will have a very real impact on local communities. The Government is committed to improving facilities and services in all regions of the country. The economy is improving because the policies pursued are working and changes such as the amendment announced today are another indication of our dedication to supporting local communities across the country.”
Related news
Dublin needs urgent infrastructure investment - time to publish Dublin City Taskforce report – Geoghegan
The Dublin City Taskforce implementation report must be published immediately, following a major new study which estimates that €70 billion…
28th May 2025Tánaiste appoints Paula Butterly TD Fine Gael Spokesperson for Regional Development
Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has appointed Paula Butterly TD Fine Gael Spokesperson for Regional Development. An Tánaiste…
26th May 2025Future of postal network must be guaranteed - Byrne
Increased funding must be made available to secure the future of the Irish postal network, said a Fine Gael Senator.…
26th May 2025