The Mayor of Clare has claimed that commercial rates have been raised “for the greater good of the county”, although Cllr Paul Murphy did say the decision hasn’t been taken lightly.

The controversial measure, which will see the property tax on commercial premises increased by 8%, is included in Clare County Council’s largest-ever revenue budget of €204 million, which has been adopted by elected members at a special meeting this week.

It's the third time the local authority has taken such a measure, and has been backed by its Director of Finance, Investment and Enterprise Noeleen Fitzgerald, who explained on Thursday’;s show that over 75% of businesses will see an increase of under €6 in their weekly amount owed.

However, Ennis Chamber highlighted their opposition to the increase on Wednesday’s Morning Focus, with its president Diarmuid McMahon of Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, believing a reduction in rates is in order, rather than a hike.

To hear from some of the businesses in this county on the commercial rates increase, Alan Morrissey spoke with Frank Landy, Sweet n Green in Ennis and Robert Kennedy, Operates Spar in Lahinch on Friday's Morning Focus.

Photo (c) Pat Flynn