Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell has today, (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement by Minister of State in the Department of Finance, Simon Harris TD that a partial exemption will be granted to sports clubs with bars or other commercial facilities.
“I am delighted that the rates burden currently placed on sports clubs with bars, or other commercial facilities, will be eased. At present, sports clubs facilities are exempt from rates; however, in circumstances where a sports club has a bar, all of that club’s premises are valued for rates purposes. This includes buildings which serve no commercial purpose. The amendment announced by Minister Harris will reform this unfair system and ensure that clubs will only pay rates on the part of the building which directly generates income. For example, if a sports club’s only commercial facility is the bar then it is only the bar and ancillary facilities that will be rated. I am sure that this will be welcomed by many sports clubs across Dublin Fingal, particularly those run by volunteers.”
“Local sports clubs are the backbone of local communities within the North County, many of these clubs are run by volunteers and are largely financed by 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 and will reduce their financial burden.”
“This is an example of a piece of legislation that will have a real impact on local communities. The Government is committed to improving facilities and services in all regions of the country. Changes such as this signify that it is now time to start giving back to local communities which have suffered as a result of the decisions which were necessary to get the economy back on track.”