Rates incentive scheme moves closer

A rates-based business incentive scheme will be put before Kells Town Council for consideration in its forthcoming budget. Area Manager Kevin Stewart told local councillors at a meeting last week they were looking at schemes which other local authorities were considering. He said that, as a result of a proposal by Cllr Sarah Reilly at the previous month’s meeting, he had investigated the legality of her proposal and while he didn’t believe that scheme could be adopted, it would be possible to put forward a scheme similar to that which she had proposed. Mr Stewart said they were looking at a business incentive scheme to encourage the occupation of long vacant premises by new businesses. Cllr Bryan Reilly pointed out that the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland (AMAI) had sent off a scheme to the minister for approval and said the council should do what it could to help hard-pressed businesses in the town. Cllr Oliver Sweeney said the AMAI proposal had been rejected by the minister but that decision was being appealed. Cllr Tommy Grimes complimented Cllr Sarah Reilly on her original proposal. Cllr Reilly thanked Mr Stewart for his work and said she was looking forward to discussions at budget time.