As ratepayers throughout County Sligo study the valuations they are now receiving for their properties, it’s emerging that, generally, there’s an increase for those in the rural areas.
For those ratepayers who are unhappy, there’s a 40-day appeal period, ending on Monday, April 24th.
The new valuations are being sent out by the Valuation Office, which is now taking various factors into account.
These include figures such as for turnover, rent, floor area, production, fees charges and other sources of incomes, as well as costs.
The head of the Valuation Office, Declan Lavelle, recently told a meeting of Sligo County Council that previously, it was all about location but now it was all about data.
However, as Marie Whelan, head of finance with Sligo County Council points out, businesses should return financial information sought from them in order for the Valuation Office provide a fair valuation.
However, Fianna Fail Deputy Marc MacSharry says struggling businesses in the North West should be exempt from rates.
