DONEGAL County Council
recognises that businesses across Inishowen are
facing incredibly challenging times. Ratepayers
experiencing difficulties in paying their Commercial
Rates are being encouraged to contact the Council
directly.
Local authorities have agreed to engage with
ratepayers with a view to allowing those businesses
worst affected by the Covid-19 outbreak to defer
Commercial Rates payments until the end of May 2020.
“Each ratepayer will be dealt with on a case-by-case
basis” explains Head of Finance with Donegal County
Council, Richard Gibson: “The impact for businesses
is not uniform and, for this reason, we must
consider each situation on a case-by-case basis. We
recognise that some businesses, especially those in
the hospitality and tourism sectors, leisure,
childcare and many other small and medium sized
retailers, are facing cash-flow and liquidity
challenges.”
The Council is cognisant of the fact that, as the
Covid-19 situation continues, the adverse impact on
businesses will evolve and the categories of
ratepayers experiencing difficulties may change.
Income from Commercial Rates makes up approximately
24% of Donegal County Council’s budget each year and
is critical for the continuing operations of
services such as Fire and Emergency Services,
Flooding Emergency Responses, Housing, Roads and
other key services.
Ratepayers can contact the Council by calling 074 91
53900 or by emailing
info@donegalcoco.ie or contact staff directly
dealing with their account here.
The Council’s COVID-19 Crisis Management Team
continues to meet daily and will continue to monitor
the situation on a day-to-day basis considering the
best advice from the medical experts, national
bodies and government.
Garry Martin, Director of Economic Development with
Donegal County Council, said “We are aware of the
impact the measures introduced to help prevent the
spread of Covid-19 are having on the business sector
in Donegal and we are committed to supporting
businesses during these challenging times and in
helping them access government supports as and when
required. I would urge businesses to keep in contact
and engage with us in the coming weeks and months.”
The Council’s Local Enterprise Office is making free
online and telephone mentoring available to any
business seeking assistance in addressing emerging
issues and in developing their cash flow projections
and short action plans to address the identified
issues. In addition, Business Continuity Vouchers of
€2,500 to support business continuity preparedness,
innovation and productivity are also being made
available from the Local Enterprise Office.
For more information visit
https://dbei.gov.ie , or
www.localenterprise.ie or email the Local
Enterprise Office at
info@leo.donegalcoco.ie or call 074 91 60735.
Information on other government supports, including
financial support for working capital and business
continuity planning checklist, as well as supports
from various business support organisations, is also
available at
www.donegalcoco.ie . |
