Galway County Council has confirmed that it is deferring the payment of commercial rates from businesses badly hit by Covid-19 until the end of June.
The Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government had issued a direction on March 24 the local authorities should defer commercial rates payments for at least three months in the worst affected sectors.
Priority industries identified for relief were in the retail, hospitality, leisure and childcare sectors.
On Wednesday the council confirmed that ratepayers who have been badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic, and its impact on the Irish economy, may defer payments for the coming three months.
“Galway County Council acknowledges and understands the severe impact the COVID-19 has had and is having on a wide range of businesses,” a statement said..
“In line with the Government direction we will be deferring rates payments due from any Ratepayer impacted by COVID-19 for the period to the end of June.”
The county council will also be suspending the issuing all of all legal proceedings during that same period.
However, the council said that any ratepayer who is in a position to continue paying, should do so.
Businesses which are experiencing difficulty should contact their Revenue Collector at 091 509034 or e-mail rates@galwaycoco.ie.
The council also reminded people that local businesses which have found themselves in difficulty can avail of a range of supports for this crisis through the Local Enterprise Office, which can be seen at www.localenterprise.ie/Galway
