IEAR (Irish Employers for Affordable Rates) Statement

The IEAR (Irish Employers for Affordable Rates) has increased the momentum on its mission to get action on the unfairness of the commercial rates situation which exists in our country.
The group which included its Co Wicklow Committee Chairperson Mr Denis Fielding converged on Dail Eireann last Wednesday and proceeded to lobby local and national TDs on the effects this charge is having on businesses throughout the country.

“We basically spent the day meeting TD’s and Senators and educated them on the problems that this unfair charge is having on our business futures. I particularly wanted to meet Co Wicklow TD’s and got to meet with Simon Harris, Andrew Doyle and Anne Ferris. Simon in particular has promised to bring this issue to the Minister for the Environment, Mr Phil Hogan’s attention and to stress the need for change before it’s too late”, Mr. Fielding said.
One of the main objectives of the IEAR is to get an amendment to the Valuation Act that states that an appeal can only be lodged if there is a “Material change in circumstances”. The IEAR want this changed to a “material or Economic change in circumstances”, this would allow those with no ability to pay to have a fair hearing. The IEAR would also like an immediate reduction in rates to ease some burden on struggling businesses.